UPDATE ON JUDE (9/18/25)

We now have a preliminary diagnosis: Jude has a plasmacytoma, a rare plasma cell tumor. Doctors are working to determine if this is a solitary tumor or part of multiple myeloma, which is a serious, incurable cancer of the bone marrow.

Next week, Jude will have a bone marrow biopsy and a full body PET scan. These will show whether the cancer is only in his spine or more widespread. A neurosurgeon is also involved, because if the tumor weakens his spine further it could lead to collapse. They must decide whether to stabilize his spine first or begin cancer treatment immediately.

Treatment will almost certainly include radiation five days a week at OU, with possible chemotherapy or biological therapy, and eventually a stem cell transplant if he qualifies. This means months of treatment, constant travel, and mounting costs.

Jude is fighting with strength (and HUMOR). Your support financial emotional and prayerful means more than we can ever say. Thank you for helping us stand with him.

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Help Support Jude (7/30/25)

I’m writing on behalf of my close friend Stevie—someone who has always shown up for others. Now, she’s facing something no parent should ever have to face.

Her son, Jude, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone tumor in his spine. It has already caused extensive bone destruction, and due to how dangerously vascular the area is, surgery isn’t currently an option, not even to stabilize the bone. There’s no simple treatment plan or short-term solution. This is a rare, serious diagnosis with a long and uncertain road ahead.

Right now, a team of oncologists is reviewing Jude’s case to determine if he’s a candidate for a biological therapy—a medication that may help slow the tumor’s progression and preserve what’s left of the damaged bone. It’s not a cure, and there are very few studies for this kind of case, but it’s our best hope at buying time and preventing catastrophic complications.

Stevie has been incredibly strong, but the emotional and financial toll of this situation will be immense. Between consultations, scans, travel, and the constant uncertainty, she’s doing everything she can to hold it together.

Stevie would never ask for help, but I will. If you’re able to donate & share, it would mean more than you know. Every bit of support helps and every gesture reminds them they’re not in this alone.

With gratitude,

Shannon