Give our family a helping hand

UPDATE From Erin:

Hello All! Jon and I have been extremely grateful for the love and support you have all shown us! Jon had surgery on May 1 to attempt to remove the cancer from his body, yet the cancer had spread so he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. He is currently undergoing 3-6 months of chemotherapy. Based on this he is likely unable to receive a lung transplant for up to 3 years. Jon is a fighter and attempted to return to work, yet this proved untenable given his health and treatment. We would be so grateful if our support community could continue to share this Fundraiser! We know this is a lot to ask and hope that you could find it in your hearts to continue sharing our story. The money we raise is continuing to provide support to our family as Jon is out of work for the unforeseeable future. We are eternally grateful for the love and support you, your friends and the community have shown us! Thank you for making an impact on our lives! Love and Gratitude, The Smarr Family

Hello Family, Friends and caring community, In February of 2023 I was diagnosed with stage 4 emphysema caused by a genetic condition called Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. AAT is a protein produced by the liver that protects the lungs from inflammation and damage. Alpha-1 lung disease is commonly called ‘genetic COPD.’ There is no cure. This disease progressed quickly causing me to lose a lot of my physical freedoms. My lung function is extremely compromised due to this condition and I am now on continuous flow oxygen. In February of 2024 I was advised that the best course of action was to receive a bi-lateral (double) lung transplant. Although this was hard news it also gave me hope that I could eventually be able to live a more full and normal life. To prepare for the organ transplant I needed to get my Body Mass Index up and decided that the best course of action was for me to take some time off work to gain the strength and weight needed for this huge ordeal. Part of the process for this ordeal includes getting tested to ensure my body could handle this large invasive surgery. During this process I was unfortunately diagnosed with Colon Cancer. I will now need to have part of my colon removed as well as lymph nodes to determine what stage my cancer is. The surgery to remove the diseased section of my colon and removal of lymph nodes is May 1st 2024. This diagnosis automatically removes me from the transplant list until I’m cancer free for 1 year. Of course all of this news is devastating to myself and my loving family; emotionally and financially. We are a two income family and our financial security is critically dependent on these two incomes. We don’t know when I will be able to get back to work as the recovery time is 4-6 weeks. The loss of income from my job as I will have exhausted my FMLA protection and the medical costs of insurance, surgery, fighting cancer and preparing for a double lung transplant will be overwhelming We are hoping to raise funds in hopes that this will allow me time to fight these two life threatening conditions. We love all of you and understand that the world is in a state of financial and emotional unrest. Any contribution will help us and we appreciate in advance any help you are able to give! With love, light and hope, Jon Smarr and Family