Hi, my name is McKayla Stohr. I am starting this fundraiser on behalf of my sister Jessica (Ashby), brother-in-law BJ (Foster), and their 3 children. As some of you may know and many of you may not, BJ was diagnosed in May 2021 with unstageable colon cancer at just 41 years old. At the time of diagnosis, there was a tumor the size of a baseball blocking the colon. With the severity and size of the cancer, BJ began 12 weeks of extensive chemotherapy and radiation in June. During this time, he had his first surgery to have an ostomy placed to allow for rest of the affected portion of the colon. In August, he underwent a second surgery to resect the tumor. The doctors were very pleased with the results and were optimistic that they had removed the entire affected section. In October, BJ began another round of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, in December, BJ’s cancer numbers were no longer declining despite resection and aggressive treatments. The results were the same from January, and they decided to stop chemotherapy. In March, BJ had a CT to determine the possibility of metastasis of the cancer. With that scan, a node was found in his left lung. They quickly moved forward with a lung biopsy to get a sample of that tissue. This procedure is done through the skin, with a long needle guided by ultrasound, into the lung. During the procedure BJ’s lung was punctured and collapsed. A chest tube was inserted and he remained in the hospital for 5 days till it was properly reinflated. A bronchoscopy was then performed (a scope through the mouth led into the lungs) to retrieve a sample. The doctor who performed this scope assured that it didn’t appear to be metastasized tissue from the colon but would likely be lung cancer. As bad as that sounds, we were grateful for this as lung cancer is relatively treatable when caught early enough. After testing the sample, there wasn’t enough to make a diagnosis. BJ underwent a second bronchoscopy to retrieve another sample. Following that sample, our fears became a reality as the results showed it was metastasized from the colon. This changed his diagnosis from unstageable to stage 4 colon cancer. His doctors in the Quad Cities concluded that they couldn’t do anything more to help him and gave him a grave 15-18 months. BJ and Jess decided to get a second opinion at the University of Iowa. They were immediately paired with the head of oncology and a cardiothoracic transplant doctor, who began workup on a plan moving forward. In their plans is a wedge resection of the portion of BJ’s left lung where the nodule is. In early April, BJ had surgery to reverse his ostomy. This surgery has come with several complications resulting in 4 ER trips and 3 surgeries so far. BJ has been in the ICU since April 20th with an open abdominal incision and wound vac. He is also receiving TPN, a feeding solution, through his port, as he has been able to eat very little in weeks. On May 12th, BJ would be undergoing his lung surgery- however, this current hospitalization has caused a significant setback and will not be able to be performed until he is healed and strong enough. The past year has been highly emotional, painful, and financially stressful. Aside from this battle, BJ and Jess have 3 kiddos they need to be there for. Grace (13), Emma (8), and Owen (4). This has been extremely difficult for them as they try to understand what is happening and what is to come. BJ has continued to work as he has been able, and his employers have been such a blessing during this time, working with him in any way they can. Jessica is a stay-at-home mom and spends her days caring for their youngest, Owen, who has autism and requires 24-hour care. Over the past couple of weeks since sharing about BJ’s fight, the outpouring of support has been nothing short of amazing. With their okay, this GoFundMe is being set up in their name to help ease the financial burden. Any donations will help keep food on the table, pay housing bills, travel expenses from Dewitt to Iowa City for care, overwhelming hospital bills, etc. BJ’s journey is far from over, and we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all of our friends, family, loved ones, and communities. We thank you in advance for all your prayers, thoughts, kind words, and donations. Please feel free to share.

*If you wish to send cards or donations directly, they can be sent to BJ Foster, 916 3rd Street DeWitt, IA 52742.