As many of our loved ones know, the Lopez family has faced hard times over the past two years. When Jennifer faced brain cancer, the outpouring of love and support that surrounded her helped us stay positive as she surmounted what looked like an impossible peak. After the last two years, Jonathan has seen firsthand the unthinkable torment cancer treatment inflicts on a person's body, mind, and family. When Jennifer experienced days that felt hopeless, Jonathan was her rock, guiding her and holding her hand as she fought. It was inspirational to witness how healing his love could be.

Life has a way of shifting our plans in a moment's notice. As Jennifer recently entered into remission, Jonathan has been planning and dreaming of their lives together for the next decade or two. These plans and dreams came to an abrupt halt when Jonathan, himself, was hospitalized with cancer last week. Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that this recent news has stolen that future from all of us. One big dream of Jonathan’s was to celebrate his 70th birthday in Las Vegas this November with Jennifer, surrounded by his three children, their partners, and his granddaughter.

In preparation for elective knee surgery, a step Jonathan was excited to move forward with so he could return to fly fishing the trout-filled Oregon rivers, routine tests turned up concerning results. An extremely high white blood cell count concerned his doctor (and his daughter, Nurse Ally) that something hiding in his body was causing an infection. After nearly two weeks of blood draws, scans, consultations and uncomfortable nights, we were left without many answers.

Early in the morning on September 1, Jonathan woke with intense stomach pain and Jennifer brought him to the Salem Hospital. Shortly thereafter, the news came– a large, advanced tumor in his liver caused the pain. Chris, Ally, and Julia quickly arrived at his bedside and were met with the challenging news that cancer will rob Jonathan of future plans and dreams he’s been making. The tumor, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, is terminal and spreading to other areas of the body. His doctors tell us time together is measured in months, possibly weeks.

Quality of life is now our focus as we strive to make the most of this fleeting time left together. We have remained by his side every second, filling the room with laughter, tears, love, fear, off-color jokes, and family stories as we embrace to face the unimaginable. We are grateful for the outpour of love through calls, texts, and even plants from those whom Jonathan’s life has touched.

As we move forward in this transition, helping Jonathan stay comfortable and having the chance to share his time with those he loves is vital for us all. We know that his friends, family, and loved ones he’s touched along the way would love to support him and those he’ll leave behind. Hospice care, medical bills, and memorial costs are only part of the financial struggles ahead for Jennifer and Jonathan’s family. If you can make a donation, we would be incredibly grateful. If you would like to send money, meals, prayers or good vibes, all are deeply appreciated, whether large or small.

We know that many people also wish to connect with us to spend time with Jonathan in person or via phone. Sara, Chris’ wife, will be helping coordinate plans to determine when will be the best time or way to do so. Special messages/memories, such as photos, videos, or voice recordings, can be sent to [email redacted] Jennifer, Chris, Ally and Julia truly feel the warmth of everyone’s love as we progress through these final stages of Jonathan’s remarkable life. We appreciate your patience and support as Jonathan endeavors to be as comfortable and happy as possible.

Jonathan dreams of sitting by a lakeside cabin filled with his family and friends, fly rod in hand. He hopes to play a few hands of poker, probably bluffing the whole time. He wishes to feel the sunshine, hear the river flow, smell the flames of a campfire and hear family laughter in the background. He yearns for moments to share stories from his life and see his loved ones bond. He desires as much time with Jennifer as possible.

The days ahead are uncertain, and we hope to make as many of Papa's dreams a reality. We will all cherish every moment we are given-- forever.

Love,

The Lopez Kids: Chris, Ally, Julia

Chris, Jennifer, Julia, Jonathan, Ally * December 2016

Jonathan, Jennifer * December 2019

Chris, Papa * May 2022

Julia, Papa, Ally * May 2013

Jonathan and his dog Chica * May 2021

Papa fly fishing in Oregon * June 2021