Kurt Schrader's Brain Cancer Support Fund

***Update May 7, 2023

Kurt received the final results of the molecular testing last Monday. His oncologist was testing and hoping to find a particular mutation. Unfortunately, it was not present. They were also looking to see if the tumor was methylated. If it was, that could mean it might not be as aggressive. Unfortunately again, the tumor was unmethylated. The doctor also looked for features that might allow immunotherapy or drugs being used for other types of tumors, but at the moment they are not. The official diagnosis is Glioblastoma, a fast growing and aggressive brain tumor.

A week of radiation and chemotherapy has gone by. Mostly it has gone smoothly. However, Kurt developed some intense headaches so his physician put him on a steroid as well. He will not be going back to work this school year for sure. We will continue to research other treatments that might be available.

For now, your donations are helping Kurt and his family lighten the financial burden that comes along with this type of medical diagnosis. We are all grateful for your kindness and generosity. We ask that you please share this link with anyone you feel is able to help. Let’s not focus on the statistics, LET’S FOCUS ON THE FIGHT! Thank you.

***Update April 25, 2023:

The molecular testing results are still not back. Radiation and chemotherapy begins May 1 and will be Monday through Friday for 6 weeks. After that will be a four-week break before continuing with another round of treatment. Kurt is not working, but Caroline will need to go back on Monday. Please continue to share with anyone you believe can help the Schrader family. I will share new info as I hear.

No one ever expects a loved one to receive a devastating medical diagnosis. Unfortunately, that has happened in my family. My brother-in-law, Kurt Schrader, married to my sister, Caroline Schrader, was experiencing severe headaches among other symptoms so sought medical help to find out the cause. After numerous doctor and ER visits along with an MRI, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor on March 22, 2023. He quickly underwent brain surgery on March 31 at Rush University Medical Center where they were able to remove only 90% of the tumor. Pathology reports indicate it is a Grade 4 astrocytoma tumor, a type of brain cancer. Further molecular testing of the tumor should hopefully provide information on Kurt’s long-term prognosis. In the meantime, he is scheduled to begin months of radiation and chemotherapy treatments in the next couple of weeks.

Kurt has four children, a son KJ (33), twins Jenna and Jamie (19) sophomores in college, and Andrew (13) in 7th grade. Both Kurt and Caroline are beloved teachers in their respective school districts. Kurt has been out of work since this ordeal began, and Caroline has had to take time off of work to help care for Kurt.

Our whole family is in shock and heartbroken over this tragic news. Kurt has an insatiable way of lighting up a room, is quick-witted, kind, and would offer the shirt off his back to anyone. At this time, we are reaching out for any help you can give. With Kurt out of work, the upcoming medical expenses not covered by insurance plus daily living expenses are an unexpected burden on the family. Please find it in your hearts to give any amount in which you feel comfortable. Every donation will make a difference in the lives of Kurt’s family. Support is critical as the Schrader family navigates this difficult journey. The outpouring of calls, texts, kind words, hugs, and prayers has been greatly appreciated.

If you could share this with family, friends, and your community, we would be ever so grateful. Stay tuned for updates.