Support Joseph Lantz's Financial Recovery From Rectal Cancer

September 19th,2023 changed our lives forever. On that day, my husband Joe went in for a routine colonoscopy, at the age of 45, and came out knowing he had a rectal tumor and needed further scans to determine if it was cancerous. It was a huge shock obviously and we were instantly overwhelmed with emotions. After being scanned thoroughly, it was verified that he had Stage 3 Rectal Cancer and immediate treatment was needed. Our world was instantly turned upside down.

A few months before we had decided it was finally time to start having children and we were so excited to begin that journey together. The cancer diagnosis forced us to put that dream on hold. Nothing prepares a person or spouse, in my case, for the onslaught of information and scary details about cancer treatment. The last thing on your mind is what it will take financially to treat the cancer and for post treatment and surgery. Your only focus is determining the treatment path and making the right decisions along the way to ensure success and limit any side effects post recovery.

That being said, Joe continued to work through the end of 2023 and ultimately stopped working in December to concentrate on getting through all the chemo treatments, surgery, and recovery. Due to improper referrals and medical malpractice issues by Indian Health Services, medical bills that would normally be covered after insurance have not been taken care of to this day. We have been told it could take up to 18 months to get reimbursed or for the remaining bills to be paid.

So, I have been the only source of income for the entire year of 2024 and have been responsible for paying all medical expenses that insurance doesn’t cover. I have paid out of pocket for excess medical expenses including Cancer Drugs, Oncologist visits, PA visits, Surgeon visits, numerous CT and MRI scans, and the costs of travel and lodging for 5 visits to MD Anderson in Houston. One of those included a 10 day stay for Joe’s rectal surgery to remove the tumor after chemotherapy.

Currently we have burned through all of our savings and my biweekly salary can only cover bills and that’s about it. I am not sure how we are going to make it. The worst part is seeing my husband that has always worked hard and been a strong leader and financial provider struggle psychologically and take on the guilt of our financial struggles. Joe is dealing with a whole new set of challenges after surgery. Joe’s recovery has gone well but exposed the ugly side to post rectal surgery. By removing half of his rectum and part of his lower colon he has less room to control natural processes. He has to use the restroom numerous times a day, and often at random times, creating a challenge for him to have productive days. We are praying the outcome gets better the longer he heals but not much progress after the first two months. In spite of that, he has been interviewing with several companies but hasn’t landed a job yet. I know he will not stop until he finds an employment opportunity that will work with his challenges and can start to help us financially again.

I was reluctant to create this fundraiser because my husband and I typically help others and fundraise and donate our time to church and charitable organizations. We are not used to asking for help from anyone and our fear of judgement or ridicule kept us from doing so. It wasn’t until we heard a church sermon a few weeks ago that was based on this very topic that we began to let go of our fear. The message was clear. You can’t be afraid to ask for help when you really need it. So, I am asking for financial support to cover medical expenses and relieve the stress on both of us so that Joe can properly heal, and we can get back on track on planning the next chapter of our lives and starting a family. Your help will be most appreciated, and it is our wish for you to be blessed in everything that you do!

Psalm 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”