The Okon’s world was turned upside down in May of this year when Heath Okon, husband and father of two, was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Ewing’s Soft Tissue Sarcoma. First discovered on his thigh - further testing revealed the cancer has spread to his lungs (over 20 tumors), and a lesion on his liver.  The doctors have staged the cancer at level IV, and Heath received his first chemo treatment two weeks ago.

Heath’s treatment will consist of an aggressive approach including five different types of chemotherapy medications. His treatment plan includes alternating outpatient chemotherapy as well as 5 day inpatient chemotherapy.  Even with insurance, the medical bills have already begun piling up, and as you can imagine, are daunting to say the least.

The Okon family and their story are very near and dear to my heart.  Heath’s wife, Diana Okon, is my husband’s sister which makes Heath and Diana my sister and brother-in-law. They have two son’s Brycen (age 22) and Christian (age 16).  We have been very close for nearly 25 years doing life together while raising our children. Brycen is getting married to his sweet love Crystal Hart on July 21, 2018.

I do not want to let the cancer define who they are! Heath has worked at Perfection Tire since 1988 moving with his family in 1996 from Coeur d ‘Alene to Sandpoint to open and manage the Sandpoint store.  The Okon’s have been involved in many aspects of the Sandpoint community. A few things that they enjoy doing are golfing, hiking, fishing, disc golfing, kayaking, camping, and traveling. In fact, since Heath learned of his diagnosis, he has not let the cancer take the joy out of his life. He continues to go to work as he is able, and has taken every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

My hope is to raise enough funds to help ease the enormous financial burden so that the Okon’s can focus their energy on kicking cancer’s a$$! If you are able, please donate! Every little bit helps! Another way you can help is to share, share, share!