In December 2017, Jerry Barnum was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer, after an MRI revealed a 14-inch tumor in his belly. Despite a terminal prognosis, Jerry and his family decided to attempt medical treatment.

Unfortunately, due to side effects from the cancer treatment, and the debilitating nature of the cancer itself, Jerry has been unable to work and support his family. (At the time of diagnosis, Jerry had been a plumber for 20 years.)

Unfortunately, radiation and chemotherapy have only slowed the cancer.  It still continues to grow.

The cancer damaged some vertebra and nerves in Jerry’s spine which may be causing severe headaches, and numbness in his legs and feet.  This week he starts one of 4 types of treatment to help with the pain in his back.  They are hoping to block the nerve, but may need to actually kill the nerve in order to give him relief from the pain.

Jerry is only 56 years old. He’s been happily married to Stacey for 27 years. Jerry and Stacey raised three girls in Rifle, two of which have danced all their lives and continue to contribute to their community.

In addition, Jerry and his family are currently awaiting the birth of their first grandbaby this month.

Medical bills and chemotherapy costs are exorbitant and have decimated the Barnum’s savings. While the care Jerry receives at the Callaway Young Cancer Center is top notch, the bills continue piling up.

Please consider giving to this great local family and helping pay some of their bills so they can focus on taking care of and enjoying the time they have left.