Jon and Amy are the strongest people I know. Over the years, they have each tackled several debilitating and life-threatening medical issues, always with determination and faith. These last few years have taken their financial burden to unimaginable levels. Jon and Amy have always been the ones to extend a helping hand to anyone in need (friends, family and church members) without hesitation. Even now, they lovingly care for Amy’s aging parents and volunteer to help others in need whenever they can. Now Jon and Amy need our helping hand.

Jon

• Leiomyosarcoma lung cancer (August 2001)

• Interstitial lung disease with pulmonary fibrosis (caused by exposure to toxins from the World Trade Centers, diagnosed January 2002)

• Pancreatitis (resulting from medication for pulmonary fibrosis, July 2002)

• 4.9 mm aortic aneurysm (resulting from medication for pulmonary fibrosis, 2011)

Amy

• Multiple Sclerosis (February 1983)

• Dystonia (January 2008)

• Craniotomy to remove a brain tumor (2021)

• gallbladder surgery, two hip surgeries and four outpatient spinal surgeries (2023)

In October 2021, Amy was rushed into brain surgery, to have a softball-sized meningioma removed. In January 2022, she was diagnosed with two more brain tumors in the frontal and temporal lobes. One is located 3 mm from the optic nerve. Amy underwent cyber knife radiation for her tumors, and though they remain, thankfully the tumors have not spread or increased in size. This could change quickly so she is monitored with regular MRIs. Amy’s brain tumors adversely affect her daily life, decreasing her metabolism and mobility. She has had multiple head injections to treat complications from the craniotomy. Most recently, the tumors have begun causing seizures.

Amy (and Jon) have sought specialized medical treatment from doctors at hospitals including the Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering NYC, and the University of Michigan. Currently, Amy is being treated at the Cleveland Clinic, which provides her with exemplary, multi-discipline care. Amy has 8 neurologists working there to provide her with as much relief as possible. They also are focused on diagnosis and treatment of a neuromuscular disorder in conjunction with her multiple sclerosis and the brain tumors. Since July 2022 Amy and Jon have traveled to the Cleveland Clinic (in Cleveland, Ohio) 30 times, occasionally making more than one trip in a week. Each trip (even without an overnight stay at a hotel) can cost as much as 300 dollars, not counting the cost of scans, tests and medical treatments.

Jon and Amy also see multiple doctors in their home state of Michigan. In the last 18 months, the two have had over 42 MRIs or CT scans (Amy says she glows in the night now!). In the same time frame, they have had a combined total of 230 doctors’ appointments. As we all know, medical insurance only goes so far. With each doctor’s visit, scan, treatment or test comes another bill.

Despite all their personal struggles, Jon and Amy have always supported and helped their family and friends in any way they can. They live their lives with humor, compassion and grace. Now would seem to be a great time for us to show some love and support in return.

Every dollar donated helps them through this difficult time. Each donation, regardless of amount, is combined with other donations to result in a great and positive impact. If you prefer, please contact Connie Burns for other ways to donate.

Thank you for your time, your support, and your prayers.