To know Donnie Paine is to know his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor—he’s the kind of person who can make you laugh even on your (or his) toughest day. His sense of humor is secondary only to his generosity and concern for others, and the love he has for his family. He’s a dedicated father to his five children, (ages 9 to 19) as well as a passionate musician, hard worker, and an immensely talented chef whose joy for life (and great food!) instantly touches those around him.

What led to this?

Donnie’s world changed almost two years ago when a prolonged thumbnail wound was determined to be advanced melanoma. The majority of his thumb was then amputated, and though it was an upsetting situation, Donnie- in gratitude that it miraculously had not spread- made the best of it, even throwing around jokes, like “I’d give you the ‘thumbs up’ on that, but…” He recovered in time, returned to work, and his post-op treatment seemed to be moving along well with preventative immunotherapy.

What now?

He remained cancer free for almost a year when it returned this past March with a vengeance. Stage 4 metastatic melanoma being the diagnosis, first affecting his liver and lungs, and soon spreading extensively to his brain and bones (among other areas) over the coming months. His treatment plan is intense and urgent, requiring continual monitoring and adaptation. He has been grateful to receive care directly at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, where he was referred by his local oncologists in Eau Claire, WI. Yet due to the continued progression of the cancer combined with the distress of excessive travel, he will now be focusing primarily back in Eau Claire, with gratitude to his exceptional combined medical care team.

What is the need?

Because of the severity of his condition, Donnie was forced to stop working, which has created substantial financial strain. The costs associated with travel combined with the loss of income (his, as well as Nicole’s- his caretaker and children’s mother/ parenting partner, who works as a substitute teacher), have become overwhelming for the family. True to Donnie’s character, he worked hard to carry these financial burdens as long as he could. At this point, however, it is no longer possible. Their immediate needs include help with household expenses (costly for anyone, but especially a family with five children- the eldest having just entered out of state college); gas, vehicle maintenance; accommodations and upkeep around the house to meet his needs for care and accessibility; and, of course, medical expenses. With chemotherapy infusion now proving too detrimental on his body to continue, the priorities of radiation along with healthy foods and alternative medical supports have become all the more pertinent (some of which can be harder to access in rural Wisconsin.)

Longer term needs include navigating the complexity of family living arrangements and the desire to simplify caretaking for all. This optimally means a relocation to be with cross-country extended family, so that they may all receive short term as well as long term support, regardless of what lies ahead.

We’re asking for your support to help ease financial burdens so Donnie can focus on what matters most: his treatment, healing, and time with his family.

Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference.

Recently, when Donnie asked how someone was doing, they replied with a playful, “Living the dream!” and posed the same question to Donnie. His quick wit and optimism proved intact when he replied simply, “Dreaming of living.” Let’s help meet his immediate financial needs, so that he can focus on making this simple ‘dream of living’ happen.

Thank you for supporting Donnie and his family in this difficult time. Your kindness, generosity, and prayers mean more than words can express.