Get Well Fund for Lonnie Etter Jr.

In June of 2018, following an MRI, Lonnie N Etter was referred to Upstate Medical Hospital in Syracuse, due to the discovery of a tumor at the base of his skull. Surgery successfully removed almost 95% of the tumor, however, pathology determined that Lonnie had Medulloblastoma (brain cancer) and needed to undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy to remove the remainder of the tumor.

After 7 months of monthly in-patient chemotherapy visits, along with weekly infusion treatments, and numerous trips to the Syracuse area, Lonnie continues to have weekly physical and occupational therapy visits. He did not start school this last fall, due to his immobility and has been relying on tutors coming to his home.

Lonnie’s parents, Lonnie Sr., and Samantha, who are both employed by NY state, had been utilizing FMLA, trading off accompanying Lonnie to his appointments and assisting at home. Lonnie continues to work as Samantha has exhausted her FMLA and leave entitlements. She has been on leave from the state without pay since October. The most recent MRI scan showed clear, however, Lonnie Jr. continues to need Speech therapy for memory and physical and occupational therapy until his mobility returns. It is undetermined when he will be back to being able to get around on his own. The Doctor says if he is able to start school next year he may not be able to go full time.

Samantha continues to stay with Lonnie at home during the day, assisting with daily activities, since he is not able to get around on his own and gets dizzy.

The costs involved include numerous weekly Syracuse visits/ gas and tolls, and continually mounting medical bills. The loss of Samantha’s income has also has caused a huge financial strain on the family.