Support Janice's US Cancer Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Dear US and German friends, family and kind hearted strangers,

My name is Rachel Dotson and along with my mother, Tabea Schiewe, we are organizing this Go Fund Me in support of my uncle/brother John and my aunt/sister-in-law Janice Vitt. We want to ease their financial burden as they head to the US for further critical cancer treatments. Although initially hesitant to share her story publicly, they have had so many people asking how they could help them so this seems like the best platform to reach as many people as possible.

John & Janice have been married over 43 years and as you can imagine, the thought of losing your life or your lifetime partner is overwhelming. It was a shock in February 2024 to receive the diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Janice has lived a healthy lifestyle, eating well and walking daily, until her symptoms prevented her from being active. She started suffering from back pain last November and by January it became quite severe, almost unbearable. Upon seeing a family doctor for help, it was evident fairly quickly that there was a more serious problem. Following blood tests, she needed an ultrasound and subsequently required a CT Scan, an MRI and a biopsy before she could be seen by an oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute here in Edmonton. Unfortunately, Janice was not a candidate for surgery due to the location of her tumor. She was never offered radiation as it was not suitable for this tumor. Her body has not responded well to the chemotherapy at the Cross and as such, treatment over the past seven months has been ineffective in reducing her tumor to where it would be operable. Early on she had a port put in to facilitate necessary medical procedures and more recently, she required a drainage tube in her abdomen as the severe swelling from the tumor became debilitating. Home care has been unable to help as much as one would hope under the circumstances and John has had to take over some of the “nursing” care such as draining the fluid from her body every other day and removing the special biohazardous IV needle once her slow release 48 hour chemotherapy treatment is complete every other week. Anyone that’s been through this can relate to how much stress this adds to an already incredibly distressing situation.

From the start of this difficult journey, Janice has done an immense amount of research, which has led her to Envita Medical Centers in Scottsdale, Arizona as her best option going forward. It is an answer to prayer that she was accepted for treatment there beginning November 26. The Journal of Cancer Therapy states “According to a study of 199 late-stage cancer patients treated at Envita Medical Centers between 2021 and 2023, Envita's precision cancer care demonstrated superior efficacy compared to standard oncology care. The study found that Envita's care was more effective than clinical trials and standard oncology protocols.” We are extremely hopeful and optimistic that Envita’s integrated approach and specialized treatments will be effective and healing.

However, the living expenses for the 14 weeks of treatment will be significant as it will coincide with high season for travellers to Arizona. John & Janice will be unable to reside in their trailer because there is no RV park within a reasonable distance. Treatment is almost daily, often starting at 7:30AM, so driving on the freeway for almost an hour each way is not an option. They have been able to lease a short term furnished apartment for the duration of their stay but must pay the total cost of over $US15,000 in advance. Along with that, their initial and immediate cost for treatment is another $US10,000. All monies will go to John & Janice’s expenses.

Together with John, Janice has fought this battle with determination and patience, maintaining a positive attitude and outlook throughout. Despite the many challenges this year has brought and the pain she now faces daily, she has faithfully continued to work at her job as office administrator, for over 40 years, sometimes from home when going in to work wasn’t possible. Effective November 15 Janice has taken a medical leave. Her last chemo treatment at the Cross will be on Monday, November 18 and they leave for the US on Sunday, November 24. To be clear, after Janice's last CT Scan in early October, she was advised by the Cross that there was nothing more they could do for her.

Janice is only 63, a loving wife, caring mother to their son and daughter in law, and a devoted Oma to a beautiful eight year old granddaughter. She is a wonderful aunt/great aunt as well as an amazing sister/sister-in law and a dear friend to so many who have been blessed to have her in their lives. Knowing there are many people holding them up in prayer and wanting to help will mean so much to both Janice and John as they face this difficult journey away from family and friends over the holiday season and into the new year. May God be with them and watch over them until they return to Canada sometime in March 2025.

We will be incredibly grateful for any support you might be able to give. No donation is too small as every bit helps. Sharing this fundraiser as much as possible will also make a huge difference. Updates will be added on this page as treatment progresses. Thank you for taking the time to read our story.