Let's Talk About Ian

Let's talk about Ian. Spoiler alert: He has stage IV cancer. 

My brother, Ian Stochl, returned from Iraq in 2007. He has not led an easy life and has not always made the best decisions, but since his son was born in November 2011, he has turned his life around. 

Ian is an incredible father, a devoted husband and a dedicated student. He is in his third year at St. Louis University pursuing a degree in chemistry. 

Following many months of unexplained pain, my brother finally met with an specialist that recognized something his other doctors hadn't--there was something seriously wrong. Fearing the worse, Ian agreed to a biopsy. The results, and the news, became more and more tragic:

Cancer. Lymphoma. Non-Hodgkins. And, finally, the most devastating fact of all, Stage IV. 

Ian and his fiancee, Lauren--the mother of his child, his significant other for more than five years and friend of ten years--moved their wedding up from June 2015 to November 2014. Family and friends pitched in, and we managed to hold a beautiful wedding despite the short notice, one that was filled to the brim by caring and incredible people in our lives. 

Treatment has begun, and while Ian has finanical support as a veteran, there is still one very big concern weighing on him: his son, three-year-old Ian Michael. Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, my brother is asking for any support people can give. Any money raised will go toward cancer research, living expenses during treatment, and savings to provide for Ian Michael's future. 

To hear more about his situation in his own words, please watch the video.