Support Kunshier Family
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Gretchen and Joe started dating in High School November 1996. In September 2004 Gretchen was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. She was treated at The Mayo Clinic with chemotherapy and radiation for 7 weeks She then had an additional three rounds of chemotherapy. Gretchen fought and prevailed. She was deemed cancer free in February 2005 and was married to Joe on June 11, 2005.
Gretchen and Joe have been Forest Lake residents and a part of the community since childhood. They are currently raising their 9-year-old daughter Maija in Forest Lake. Gretchen's career path took her into medical sonographraphy (ultrasound technician) and has been at Suburban Imaging in Coon Rapids since 2002. Joe has been teaching Physical Education at Forest Lake High School for the past 14 years and is entering his 7th season as the head coach of the Forest Lake High School Wrestling program
Round 2
Fifteen Years Later
On October 16, 2019 Gretchen received news that she has to battle cancer for a second time. She was diagnosed with a different type of Squamous Cell Cancer. Her doctors believe this was caused by the radiation treatment required in her first cancer fight. This new cancer is present in various areas of the Nasopharynx which is unable to be surgically removed. Gretchens treatment plan will be starting on October 22nd. It will consist of 3 rounds of chemotherapy over the next 9 weeks, followed by Proton Beam Radiation five days a week for seven weeks . The radiation phase will be coupled with more chemotherapy each of the seven weeks. This treatment will again take place at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It will require daily trips to and from Forest Lake once radiation begins.
As a result of the treatment Gretchen will be very limited on how much she can work. There will be large medical and insurance bills as well as a drastic reduction in monthly income. The goal of this effort is to help offset these expenses. Most importantly your generosity will allow them to stay in their home while she receives treatment and finally recovers over the next year. Please consider making a donation to the family. Also please feel free share through your personal social media outlets.
Gretchen is a fighter and battled through a miracle during her first fight with cancer. She is once again determine to fight through this journey. For her family and especially for her daughter Maija.
Gretchen and Joe have been showered with caring words and kindness from friends and family. Keep the positive energies and prayers flowing towards them as they travel through this journey.
For more information and updates on the journey visit their Caring Bridge Site.
Gretchen and Joe have been Forest Lake residents and a part of the community since childhood. They are currently raising their 9-year-old daughter Maija in Forest Lake. Gretchen's career path took her into medical sonographraphy (ultrasound technician) and has been at Suburban Imaging in Coon Rapids since 2002. Joe has been teaching Physical Education at Forest Lake High School for the past 14 years and is entering his 7th season as the head coach of the Forest Lake High School Wrestling program
Round 2
Fifteen Years Later
On October 16, 2019 Gretchen received news that she has to battle cancer for a second time. She was diagnosed with a different type of Squamous Cell Cancer. Her doctors believe this was caused by the radiation treatment required in her first cancer fight. This new cancer is present in various areas of the Nasopharynx which is unable to be surgically removed. Gretchens treatment plan will be starting on October 22nd. It will consist of 3 rounds of chemotherapy over the next 9 weeks, followed by Proton Beam Radiation five days a week for seven weeks . The radiation phase will be coupled with more chemotherapy each of the seven weeks. This treatment will again take place at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It will require daily trips to and from Forest Lake once radiation begins.
As a result of the treatment Gretchen will be very limited on how much she can work. There will be large medical and insurance bills as well as a drastic reduction in monthly income. The goal of this effort is to help offset these expenses. Most importantly your generosity will allow them to stay in their home while she receives treatment and finally recovers over the next year. Please consider making a donation to the family. Also please feel free share through your personal social media outlets.
Gretchen is a fighter and battled through a miracle during her first fight with cancer. She is once again determine to fight through this journey. For her family and especially for her daughter Maija.
Gretchen and Joe have been showered with caring words and kindness from friends and family. Keep the positive energies and prayers flowing towards them as they travel through this journey.
For more information and updates on the journey visit their Caring Bridge Site.
Organizer
Chris Blasko
Organizer
Forest Lake, MN