Cancer Support for AJ Bednar
Donation protected
Ever since I first met him six years ago, I could just tell he was one-of-a-kind. We got to know one another really well over the last few years since he frequently shopped at my store, GNC, in Brookings. The years went by for us both, but in 2018 the stars aligned and we found ourselves in love. He waited 38 years to finally find the love of his life!
AJ is the most thoughtful, courteous, charismatic, hard-working, and loyal man I have ever met. He's worked along side his very good friend and boss, Sean Lesnar, for Total Epoxy (previously Total Maintenance) for 18 years with no sign of slowing down. AJ and I dedicate a lot of our time to living a healthy lifestyle. We are very like-minded in our pursuit of health and fitness, which is something we really admire in one another.
There is not a day that goes by that AJ doesn't do something thoughtful for others - it could be as simple as leaving a love note on my bathroom mirror or holding the door for a stranger. He is such a positive and happy person, which many can attest to! For those who know AJ, he is not the hand-out type of person. He's the one who is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
After going to his primary doctor in August this year for simple routine bloodwork, AJ was told his complete blood count (white, red & platelets) was low, although he felt fine. Shortly after a follow-up, we found ourselves in a tailspin as his blood counts continued to drop and weird symptoms set in. Two bone marrow biopsies, one lymph node biopsy, a CT scan, PET scan, hundreds of blood draws, and three separate week-long hospital stays later, he was finally given a diagnosis.
Cancer. I never thought that we would have to face such adversity after just one year together. We put our "positive pants" on and realized that if he hadn't gone to see his doctor initially back in August, then we would be weeks, if not months, behind.
The lymphoma was found in his spleen, but was deemed treatable. On December 18th, the surgeons at Mayo Hospital in Rochester were able to successfully remove his spleen, which had enlarged to about the size of a football. In the months to follow, AJ will have to do several cycles of intense chemotherapy.
The last few months have been hard on him, and the next few months going forward will be really tough on him physically, mentally and emotionally. We are asking for help from family and friends through these tough times to help cover medical costs. AJ and I just built a new home in Brookings and plan to get married in October of 2020. Donations can help lessen the financial burden to come.
We want to say thank you to everyone who has been by our side throughout this chapter, and thank you to those that continue to send your love, positive messages, and prayers. WE WILL BEAT CANCER!
AJ is the most thoughtful, courteous, charismatic, hard-working, and loyal man I have ever met. He's worked along side his very good friend and boss, Sean Lesnar, for Total Epoxy (previously Total Maintenance) for 18 years with no sign of slowing down. AJ and I dedicate a lot of our time to living a healthy lifestyle. We are very like-minded in our pursuit of health and fitness, which is something we really admire in one another.
There is not a day that goes by that AJ doesn't do something thoughtful for others - it could be as simple as leaving a love note on my bathroom mirror or holding the door for a stranger. He is such a positive and happy person, which many can attest to! For those who know AJ, he is not the hand-out type of person. He's the one who is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
After going to his primary doctor in August this year for simple routine bloodwork, AJ was told his complete blood count (white, red & platelets) was low, although he felt fine. Shortly after a follow-up, we found ourselves in a tailspin as his blood counts continued to drop and weird symptoms set in. Two bone marrow biopsies, one lymph node biopsy, a CT scan, PET scan, hundreds of blood draws, and three separate week-long hospital stays later, he was finally given a diagnosis.
Cancer. I never thought that we would have to face such adversity after just one year together. We put our "positive pants" on and realized that if he hadn't gone to see his doctor initially back in August, then we would be weeks, if not months, behind.
The lymphoma was found in his spleen, but was deemed treatable. On December 18th, the surgeons at Mayo Hospital in Rochester were able to successfully remove his spleen, which had enlarged to about the size of a football. In the months to follow, AJ will have to do several cycles of intense chemotherapy.
The last few months have been hard on him, and the next few months going forward will be really tough on him physically, mentally and emotionally. We are asking for help from family and friends through these tough times to help cover medical costs. AJ and I just built a new home in Brookings and plan to get married in October of 2020. Donations can help lessen the financial burden to come.
We want to say thank you to everyone who has been by our side throughout this chapter, and thank you to those that continue to send your love, positive messages, and prayers. WE WILL BEAT CANCER!
Organizer
Haley McKenna
Organizer
Brookings, SD