I am helping to put together this page for my brother-in-law, John, and my sister, Jenny, as she cares for John. Below is a quick review of where they're at. They've come a long way in a short time. Praise GOD! But as anyone who has walked the road of cancer or illness knows, its a weary journey for the patient and the spouse caring for them.

We know that love, support, and prayers from family, friends, friends of friends through the big family of God, bring life, hope, and glory to God.

Here's John's story in summary and update:

At the end of October 2025, John was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor blocking the outlet of his stomach. The tumor is responding dramatically well to chemotherapy, praise be to God. John will soon begin radiation therapy at the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center in Milwaukee, WI, to complete treatment before surgery to remove the tumor remains later this spring. This radiation therapy will take place over the course of 3-4 weeks, with treatments every weekday. Because of the distance from home and the potential for fatigue, they’ll need to stay in Milwaukee during radiation therapy, at a medical guesthouse called Kathy's House that's on the Froedert campus right next to the cancer center.

Through all of this horrible pancreatic cancer journey, their insurance coverage has been immensely comprehensive, for the most part, with one notable exception: ground ambulance services. So far, John has had three ambulance rides in the course of this battle. For each one, insurance has picked up a portion, but not all of the cost, leaving them with a patient responsibility of about $1,500 each ride.

Also, their insurance coverage is now provided through COBRA which comes at a hefty monthly cost for John and Jenny. (John's job and short term disability came to an end at the end of February.)

In addition, their stay at Kathy's House has a cost (although it's a reasonable per-night charge) - it's several weeks' worth of lodging, and they will need to buy groceries and/or takeout during their time staying there and will need gas money for the trips home on the weekends and for other appointments in Milwaukee in the few weeks leading up to the start of radiation.

And so, here is a summary of costs leading to their need:

3 ambulance rides, patient responsibility of $1,500 each = $4,500

21-28 nights at Kathy's House = $1,300

Gas costs = est $400

Food & groceries = est $600

Amounts raised above those needs will go to helping with insurance costs and co-pays that are piling up for doctor's visits and for supportive care for John’s caregiver, i.e. Jenny, who (if she is honest) is in frank need of some minor comforts for the body and mind right now too, and would be blessed by and need some quiet restorative rest and rejuvenation through this process as well.