My name is Eric, and I’ve been the brother-in-law and friend to Duane Fornshell (DJ) for almost 20 years. A few weeks ago, DJ was diagnosed with stage IV primary metastatic peritoneal mesothelioma. Our family is devastated from the diagnosis, but we remain hopeful after multiple consultations with his doctors. DJ had a chemo port placed in his chest this past week and began chemotherapy on Monday, April 3, 2023. The objective is to prolong his life. This cancer is very aggressive. The first dose of chemo will last 5-6 hours and he will receive multiple treatments over the next 12 weeks. If you know DJ at all, then you will understand he is handling this news with strength, and has been leveraging his strong sense of humor to make others around him feel more at ease. He enjoys playing with his grandson and spending time with Stephanie (my sister). He remains an avid football fan, loves music, their two German Shepard dogs and being outside.

A cancer diagnosis of any kind is a difficult journey to embark upon let alone advanced stage IV. Stephanie is the primary source of income for their household. She impacts lives by serving as a nurse practitioner taking care of her patients. Stephanie will need to miss significant work in order to care for DJ. This includes chemo treatments, attending appointments, hospital stays, and spending the time they have left together.

I would like to make things as easy as possible for Dj and Stephanie. Please consider making a donation of any kind. Money received will help with any non-covered medical expenses, medications, gas for appointments and living expenses while Stephanie is away from work tending to DJ. If you need an additional breakdown of the anticipated budget, I would be happy to provide detail (I have spreadsheets). Any unused funds will be donated to MD Anderson Cancer Center to further research and help future families with a loved one battling this aggressive cancer. Needs may change and updates will be made as warranted.

On behalf of the entire family, thank you from the depths of our hearts.