Support Joel's continued incurable cancer battle

My husband, Joel Stetler has been battling a rare muscle cancer (sarcoma) for 9 years. He was originally diagnosed in November of 2015 and unfortunately the cancer had already spread from his leg muscle to his lungs. Since his BBB diagnosis he has endured endless treatments, experiencing no periods of remission or cessation of treatment throughout this time. He has undergone heavy doses of infused chemotherapy, oral chemotherapy, cryoablation therapy, stereotactic radiation, immunotherapies, and dozens of clinical trials across different hospitals like UC Denver, UCLA, Santa Monica Sarcoma Specialists, and Stanford University Hospital. Throughout these 9 years, Joel and our family has worked hard to live life to its fullest despite cancer. We have been able to travel and see different parts of the world we always dreamed to . We have spent time fundraising to help other cancer patients and fund cancer research by running marathons and raising awareness for rare cancer research. During this time, Joel has continued to work full time as a third grade teacher throughout his diagnosis and treatment. He regularly is required to miss days for doctor’s appointments and treatments, and regularly loses pay due to limited sick day allowances. To off set this, I have been working a full time job with 2 part time jobs in addition to currently working towards my doctorate degree. We are hard workers and have maintained this effort with the most positive of efforts, but complications have changed our situation recently.

Joel is scheduled to have two surgeries (one on each lung) in the coming months, for efforts to manage worsening symptoms in his lungs. These surgeries are complex due to the damage Joel’s lungs have endured over years of treatment. They will be taking place at Stanford University, and will likely require a 3-4 day stay in the hospital, if things go as planned without complications.

His first surgery is scheduled for January 17th. Joel will likely run out of paid time off through all of this, so will not be paid while missing work for the surgery and recovery. With this financial hardship, plus hotels food and travel for pre-op appointments, surgery, and post-op follow up, we have decided to give others the opportunity to help in the most practical, financial ways. All donations will ease just a bit of the stress and uncertainty that has been carried by Joel and I over the past 9 years, and will help as we transition into the late stages of this progressive disease.