<div>Jon Smith is losing his battle with brain cancer, his family needs us now.
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<div>Jon is a devoted husband, loving father, faithful friend, and mentor whose life has touched hundreds, if not thousands, of people. He is the kind of person who shows up for others, offers encouragement when it’s needed most, and makes people feel seen, valued, and cared for. Now, as Jon and his family face the heartbreaking reality of his battle with glioblastoma, it’s our turn to show up for them.
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<div>Since January 2025, Jon has been courageously fighting glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the initial tumor in January 2025, followed by a second surgery in April 2026 when another tumor was discovered. In June 2026, a third tumor was found. Despite months of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, the tumors have continued to multiply.
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<div>Now at the age of 52, Jon is nearing the end of his life. There are no words that can adequately express the heartbreak of this reality for his wife, Rose, their twin teenage sons, Eljin and Regan, and the countless people who love him. As Jon’s condition progresses, he is experiencing cognitive decline and is no longer able to work. This family is facing an unimaginable loss while also navigating the overwhelming financial burden of medical expenses and the loss of Jon’s income.
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<div>But Jon’s story is about so much more than his illness. It is about a life that has made an extraordinary difference. Jon has spent his life investing in others, first as an Intern Director pastoring and mentoring students, and later as a public school teacher. Two years ago, he was honored as Teacher of the Year—a fitting recognition of the compassion, dedication, and genuine care he has shown throughout his life. His influence reaches far beyond the classroom. Through his encouragement, mentorship, and steady presence, Jon has helped shape countless lives, planting seeds that will continue to grow for years to come.
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<div>Now, Jon is at home with Rose, Eljin, and Regan, facing this precious and painful season together. Rose plans to continue working but with Jon no longer able to work, the family faces significant financial challenges. They are carrying the weight of medical bills, lost income, and the everyday expenses of raising two teenage boys—all while trying to make the most of the time they have together. We cannot take away the pain of what Jon and his family are facing, but we can help lighten the burden they carry. Every donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial strain of medical expenses, household needs, and the loss of Jon’s income. Your generosity will help provide Rose, Eljin, and Regan with greater stability during an incredibly difficult time, allowing them to focus less on financial worries and more on what matters most: being together and making precious memories with Jon.
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<div>If Jon has ever encouraged you, taught you, mentored you, supported you, or made a difference in your life, we invite you to be part of caring for him and his family now. If you know someone whose life has been touched by Jon, please share this fundraiser with them. Your gift may be one way of saying thank you for the countless ways Jon has given of himself to others.
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<div>If you are unable to give financially, sharing this fundraiser is another meaningful way to help. Every gift, every share, and every expression of support matters.
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<div>Let’s surround Jon, Rose, Eljin, and Regan with the same love, compassion, and generosity that Jon has so freely given to others throughout his life. Let’s remind this family that they are not alone, that Jon’s life has mattered deeply, and that the community he has helped build is here to stand beside them.
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Leon Sandberg

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Standing with Jon Smith and His Family

Standing with Jon Smith and His Family

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