Support Jason's Journey to Overcome Pancreatic Cancer

People chuckle when Jason says I “friendzoned” him twice, but I won’t deny it. But, we

ended up falling for each other in 2016. This is where I started “Jason’s journey.”

Anyone who knows Jason will say he is a hard worker, values family and friends, and

has a fantastic sense of humor. Jason is always ready to help and uplift others. It’s unusual for

us to go anywhere without someone calling out his nickname (Curly) or making it a point to

greet him because they fondly remember him.

Shortly after we got together and were discussing past histories, Jason mentioned he

had previous health issues. One was while considering kidney donation for his father, Jason

found out that his own kidney function was impaired.

In 2017, after undergoing emergency heart surgery and a scheduled rotator cuff surgery,

Jason worked through physical therapy and was able to return to his job as a maintenance

electrician. In late 2020, we learned that Jason’s kidney function had declined enough to be

placed on the transplant list. Honestly, we were glad to begin this part of the journey. Although

we were unsure of when he would get a new kidney, we valued that it could be somewhat

organized with established steps in the process. I was assessed as a donor but was unable to

donate. In the fall of 2023, when we knew kidney dialysis was imminent, Jason’s nephrologist

encouraged him to reach out on social media for kidney donors. We were fortunate enough to

have a few people who were interested in becoming live donors for him. We were hopeful that

he might get a kidney and would not need dialysis. At that point, Jason was experiencing

abdominal pain which we attributed to kidney problems. In March 2024, he was set for an

ultrasound to begin the donation process. It was then they discovered a mass. Soon after, this

resilient and remarkable man was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. The kidney

transplant was no longer an option. Instead, dialysis, chemotherapy and surgery plans were

arranged. He is 51 years old. We were heartbroken.

Jason has undergone five rounds of chemotherapy and is recovering from a major

surgery known as the Whipple procedure. The surgeons couldn’t safely remove all of the

cancer, so he requires additional chemotherapy and radiation. He requires kidney dialysis three

times a week. This may continue for the rest of his life or until such time as he can receive a

new kidney. He is on short-term disability and has exhausted his FMLA. While we’ve eliminated

some luxuries, the future remains uncertain. Jason has faced numerous health challenges. His

daughters have been gracious enough to create this GoFundMe for us. The funds will go

towards medical expenses and other unpaid bills, and any contribution is appreciated.

Regardless of the circumstances, Jason’s family and friends will stand by him. I’ll always

support my husband throughout his journey. Thank you for reading our story.