Justin and Megan met in 2009 and have been inseparable in their adventures since then. In 2012 when they were married the promise in sickness and in health was taken with true devotion. Megan was born with a heart arrhythmia disorder that has changed a lot of what life had in store, after two cardiac arrests in adolescence it was known that healthcare with specialists was going to be a recurring theme her whole life. Justin embraced this journey with Megan wholeheartedly as their vows pledged. Since they met Justin and Megan have been almost inseparable; finding joy in hobbies, family, friends, and spoiling their dogs. Unfortunately a cardiac surgery in 2015 failed and resulted in more chronic heart problems the last 10 years for Megan which meant many things took a back seat to the illness. Luckily, family and friends were there to lend helpful hands when needed. Justin was a constant companion throughout all of the specialists & procedures even when it required flying to Cleveland Clinic and Northwestern Hospital. Megan had open heart surgery in July, and after one more surgery in November there is hope that many restrictions from the last 10 years will be 100% corrected. Justin was supportive throughout this acute health issue this spring and summer however was noticing a lot of concerns about his own health worsening. No one could have been more shocked to find that Justin had advanced cancer identified only 8 weeks after Megan’s open heart surgery. The one two punch of these big life altering health needs occurring on top of each other was a true strain. Justin and Megan cannot be more thankful to those friends and family that brought home cooked meals, freshly baked breads and cookies, garden vegetables, assisted with lawn care, pet care, rides, and supportive friendship during this difficult time.

Justin’s journey with this type of cancer is going to be very involved, as it is a rare and difficult to treat type of sarcoma. Only 200 cases have been diagnosed with this type of aggressively growing sarcoma and the prognosis for this type of sarcoma is poor. There is far more information to obtain before knowing what the future holds in this specific diagnosis as this is just the beginning.

Understandably Justin and his loved ones are devastated however are committed to supporting these next steps in his care at Mayo Rochester. Always accepting good vibes, prayers, and positivity as Justin navigates all the hard things in the next year.