Support Jon-David's Battle Against Stage 4 Thymoma

Where to even begin? ... Jon-David, Jon, Jonny... the kind of human you can't help but want to be around. He's the man who protects his people fiercely, and without hesitation. The one person to always put a smile on your face, and cheer you from the inside out. Whether it be family, friends, work, sports, hunting, camping, dancing, cooking, or laughing, just to name a few, he loves and lives his love in all the things he does. He is the type of person we all strive to be. Better. Better than today, and better for tomorrow. What would a world be without Jon? I can tell you, it's a world I personally do not want to see.

Jon was diagnosed with Stage 4 Thymoma a little over a year ago, and it's been one of the hardest years he and his family has had to go through. He has three beautiful children and a babe of a supportive wife. Of course, I'm bias, she is my best friend after all. After battling infertility for years on years, this was the last thing on their radar.

Cancer is, well, shite if you ask me. And I'm ready for these doctors to get in there and kick it to the curb! Jonny goes in for major surgery this week, the 24th of July. The second surgery since he was first diagnosed. The surgeons will perform a full pleurectomy, treated with intrapleural chemotherapy, and then end with a diaphragmatic ligation. They plan to begin by permanently removing one of his ribs to 'open him up.' Then they will remove the lining of the chest cavity, attach that to the lining of the lungs, and then remove them both together. They will also remove any additional tumors they see in the process. Next, Jon-David will have 'hot chemo' for an hour, and they will take another look to ensure that everything looks clear. Before closing, they will pin down his diaphragm in hopes of easing up the difficulties he currently faces when breathing.

Surgery will be approximately 6-9 hours long, maybe longer, followed by a hospital stay of anywhere between 7-14 days. Nikki will be back and forth from the hospital in Buffalo, NY during that time, all while trying to navigate three worried children and running a business.

This surgery is not for the faint of heart. Jon will be in extreme pain and likely hooked up to breathing and chest tubes. His wife will have to watch her husband struggle and adjust to this new quality of life. This is the type of surgery that changes a person. Physically and mentally. I know he's strong and I have no doubt he will take this in stride with a huge smile on his face. It's just who he is. But, we all know a surgery like this is scary as hell, and it's okay to say it.

The reason I'm creating this GoFundMe is important. Throughout the last year the Gudselak Family has benefitted from great health insurance and coverage, but I learned this week that moving to a new hospital has placed them out of network for their insurance. This is a huge problem, as they do not know the monetary cost this major major surgery will be. Jon-David has no choice but to go through with this surgery. It could be the barrier between life and death. The doctors in Buffalo are taking a much more proactive approach, compared to the previous doctors' reactive approach. Jonny needs this to work. His tumors are growing by the day, and his family needs him, here. Living, loving, for another day. Please, please. If you can help, please help. Donating any amount to this family will mean the difference in this tremendous burden they are carrying.

Thank you so very much. From the bottom of my heart. This family means the world to me. They are my family. I appreciate every prayer, and every positive and healing energy sent their way. Thank you.

To Jonny,

I love you. We love you. Be fierce. Be brave. But especially, be you.

Love always,

Brooke, Brookie, Boka

To follow along on his journey, and view updates please visit: Jon-David's Thymoma & Surgery Updates

If you'd like to contribute to the meal train instead, please visit: Meal Train for the Gudselak's

To show support and provide Thymoma Awareness please visit: #JDSTRONG Gear