Hi family and friends,

On Monday, 12/27/2021, our wife, mother, sister, niece, cousin, friend Jo has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Currently, it is believed to be a Grade 1 (or 2) Meningioma, benign. The official diagnosis will come once the biopsy takes place which will happen during surgery.

This tumor has affected Jo’s sense of smell (completely gone), her personality (personality changes are a symptom of this tumor), her cognitive processing, vision, and physical stability. She has had some falls and vision issues. She has been sleeping for long periods of time. On top of the tumor, she has also been diagnosed with diabetes.

The family met with a wonderful neurosurgeon from the University of Minnesota yesterday, 12/29/2021. He was full of compassion and knowledge. He reviewed her condition and talked with Jo about her symptoms. He stated the tumor is quite extensive---affecting both frontal lobes, the nasal passage and reaching to the back of her brain near her pituitary gland. It is touching on the optic nerves and the nerves that affect her legs causing the leg shaking and falls. He laid out a “game plan” for Jo’s care which involves many doctor visits and a very delicate surgery. She will meet next week with the neurosurgeon and his team and a neuro ophthalmologist. She will also have to meet with the anesthesiology team prior to surgery. The surgery will take place at the University of Minnesota; hopefully within the next month. Jo will need to get her glucose levels down in order to safely perform the surgery and ensure she has a safe and quick recovery. The surgery will take about 12 hours. She will need to be in the hospital for 3-5 days with the first few days being in the ICU. They may need to perform the surgery in “stages” meaning she may need to have more than one surgery.

As you can imagine, Derron, Anna and Britta overwhelmed with this diagnosis and all the information. Derron, obviously, will have to take some time from work. But their love for Jo is making them strong; and we can help with support through prayers and, yes, financial support. Your donation will help Jo's family with medical bills and help maintain their livelihood as their home income and economics will be affected. Your donations will also help cover costs related to traveling to and from Duluth to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Even small things, like helping with yard upkeep, shopping trips, meals will be needed. Note: if providing meals, low-carb meals would be preferred. Their daily life is going to be very different as they move through this time and they will need our prayers and love.

A final, very important note, Jo will need to have a negative Covid test result prior to the surgery. She is considered “high risk” as well, now. Because of this, we are requesting anybody who is not fully vaccinated to refrain from visiting Jo. Only fully vaccinated people will be allowed to visit with her. Her health is the most important thing right now and we all need to respect that.