Help Jan Mitchell Fight Stage 4 Kidney Cancer

From Jan's three adult children: Ande, DeAnn, and Paul Johnson.

As Jan's children, we find ourselves reaching out to you today as we share the challenging journey our sweet, beautiful Mother (Jan Mitchell) has been on since May of this year. In the face of adversity, we are doing everything we can to gather more support which she urgently needs.

**The Story**

Mom received a life-changing diagnosis of stage 4 kidney cancer in April. That devastating news was accompanied by the heartbreaking revelation that the cancer had already metastasized to her abdominal lymph nodes and to her bones, and recently they discovered two nodules in her right lung. Our world was turned upside down. She has incredibly painful pathologic fractures in at least three of her ribs as well as lesions on her cervical spine and hips.

In the past 6 months, she has been hospitalized countless times for palliative pain management, radiation therapy, imaging, and procedures. Each hospitalization takes its toll emotionally, physically, and financially on all of us and yet somehow we keep going. Mom has been a model patient, diligently following her medical team's recommendations and attending every appointment.

Jan is not just beloved mother to the three of us and darling Gigi to our Wilder; she is a pillar of strength and love for our family and friends. Throughout her life, she has always been there for others, and now it's our turn to be there for her. As the primary caretaker of our younger brother, Paul, who faces his own battles with a traumatic brain injury and mental illness, Mom continues to push herself to the limit every single day. She is so brave and so strong and we are beyond thankful to know her, admire her, and love her!

**The Battle Ahead**

As many of you may know, fighting cancer is not just emotionally and physically draining; it is also financially burdensome. The medical bills, treatments, and associated expenses have quickly added up, creating a heavy financial strain on Mom and our family.

We are determined to ensure that she receives the best care and support available during this challenging time, but we cannot do it alone. That's where you come in.

**How You Can Help**

We have set up this GoFundMe campaign to alleviate the financial burden on our family as Mom continues her battle against this ruthless disease. Your generosity can make an enormous difference in her life and ease some of the worries that come with this journey.

**Donation**

Every contribution is deeply appreciated. Your donation will go directly towards Mom's medical bills, treatment costs, and any additional expenses related to her fight against cancer, especially since kidney cancer is considered chronic and ongoing.

Here are some specific needs we've identified as top priorities for any funds raised by this campaign:

-medical equipment like a high quality air purifier, adjustable bed frame, mobility & accessibility devices

-dietary supplements, medical foods, high protein meals

-car upkeep (gas, oil, repairs, tires) Mom's cancer treatments and appointments are all 30-45 minute drives from the town where we all live

**Please Share**

If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network can help us reach a wider audience and find more supporters who can assist in Mom's fight.

**Closing Thoughts**

We are humbled by your support and grateful for any help you may provide. Together, we can make a significant impact on our Mom's journey towards recovery and remission. We are filled with hope and optimism that her care team and medications will continue to ease her pain.

Please join us in this fight as we strive to be the supports Mom needs during this challenging time. Thank you for your love, kindness, and generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude from Jan's children,

Ande, DeAnn, and Paul Johnson (plus grandson Wilder York)