Jon Sharman Battles Lymphoma

My wife and I have been friends with Jon Sharman since he photographed our wedding in 2015. His sweet soul, selfless care, interest in others, and love of dogs are unmistakable.  Until a few months ago, Jon was in near perfect health. Then, while photographing a wedding, Jon herniated a disc in his L3 vertebrae.  This caused persistent nerve pain in his back and leg.  An MRI showed fracture in his vertebrae and shadows around his spinal cord. Further investigation at West Cancer Clinic indicated Jon had lymphoma tumors pressing against his spine as well as tumors growing inside his spinal cord. Jon was admitted to a hospital in Memphis, TN Thursday, March 5, as his pain increased and mobility declined. On Monday, March 9, Jon had kyphoplasty surgery in attempt to relieve nerve and vertebrae pain in his spine, and received his first of six chemotheraphy treatments. He has been confined to his hospital bed and MRI tables since admittance and will not be discharged until his mobility is restored. Jon is currently uninsured, and will be required to pay all associated medical and hospital expenses out of pocket. He needs our support to cover these costs. We anticipate needing funds as soon as March 23. Written messages of encouragement are also critical to his recovery and well-being. Messages of support on this site, and other social media outlets, will be read to him as they come in.  Some of you reading this post may remember his beloved golden retriever, Gabby, who frequented his Instagram story until she was taken by cancer two years ago at the age of 12.  Jon always joked that his Instagram following was only people interested in Gabby.  We know better. If you've ever interacted with Jon, you became instant friends. We appreciate any support you can give him.