John and Melissa Kristof

Hi, my name is Kelly Marshall, and I am raising funds for John and Melissa Kristof.

 

John is 57 years old. He and Melissa have been married for 27 years. On April 12th, 2022, he went to the ER to be treated for abdominal pain in his right side. Doctors thought he might have a gastrointestinal infection. Two weeks later, the pain persisted, so he went to his PCP and was ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that he might have a fatty liver, and a CT scan would be needed to rule out that diagnosis. On May 6th, John was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer that spread to his lymph nodes and liver. On May 9th, he met with his oncologist for the first time. The oncologist confirmed the diagnosis, ordered more tests to determine if the cancer had spread to additional body parts, and ordered a liver biopsy. Cancer was not found in the brain but was confirmed to have spread from the pancreas to the liver, lymph nodes, and lungs. The prognosis was inoperable and incurable.

 

John and Melissa remain hopeful, as John was a very healthy individual before receiving this news.

 

Chemotherapy was to begin on June 6th but could not be performed due to elevated liver levels. He is currently in the hospital, awaiting more testing to determine if a stent can be placed in his liver to remove toxins from his liver so that treatments can resume.

 

John and Melissa have a challenging road ahead with treatments, medication, testing, hospital stays, etc. John is on short-term disability, which will eventually turn into long-term disability. Melissa is self-employed and has not been able to work a full schedule due to providing all the care John needs.

 

This fundraiser is to help raise funds to assist with all expenses for medical costs, cost of living expenses, and all the unknowns they may be facing because of his diagnosis. Donations in any amount are so very much appreciated.