Friends-

Although we have been reluctant to make known publicly, it is with heavy but hopeful hearts we feel it is time to share with Justin’s friends and family that he has been recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Neuroendocrine Cancer.

As some of you may know, Justin’s father Kim has bravely battled stage 4 Colon Cancer over the last year. Due to Kim’s diagnosis and other family history, Justin and his siblings were strongly urged to get colonoscopies. During a routine colonoscopy a little more than two months ago, a small nodule was found in Justin’s small intestine. The nodule was biopsied and sent for testing, although the doctor felt it was nothing of concern at the time. Further testing results revealed that there indeed was a need for concern. The nodule was determined to be a malignant neuroendocrine tumor(NET). Neuroendocrine cells have traits similar to those of nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. A NET is a tumor that forms from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine tumors may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, which can cause many different symptoms. Neuroendocrine tumors are rare and can occur anywhere in the body, but are mainly found in the GI tract.

After undergoing multiple tests and imaging the last few months, both in Hutchinson and Wichita, to determine whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to regional lymph nodes surrounding the NET. At this point Justin was diagnosed with Stage 3 Neuroendocrine Cancer.

This is a very stressful and challenging time for the Teter family. As you may know, Justin is only 45 years old and a single father of three, and recently became a grandfather to a 6 month old baby boy. As you also may be aware, Justin’s wife Cynthia, was tragically killed at the hands of another person in 2021 who is currently awaiting trial, leaving Justin as the sole provider and caretaker for his two youngest children, Lauryn-10 and Noah-12.

Surgery is currently scheduled for April 22nd at KU Med in Shawnee, KS. The surgeon feels confident that he will be able to remove the tumor, part of the small intestine, a portion of the large intestine, the secum valve (same place his dad’s cancer was located), the surrounding lymph nodes, as well the appendix; which will give Justin the best chance of beating the cancer and lessen the chances of having a recurrence.

Justin was informed by KU Med this week, less than 2 weeks before his scheduled surgery, that his health insurance would NOT cover any part of the cost of surgery, and that his portion would need to be paid PRIOR to the surgery. His portion is $23,000.

Currently, Justin is self employed, and is responsible for the full cost of his health insurance premium. He is in contact with the insurance company about the possibility of “upgrading” his plan, which would still come at an extraordinary monthly premium increase for him on his income. He will also be unable to work for 6-8 weeks while recovering from surgery.

We are asking for help from the community to ease the financial burden for Justin and his family. Donations of any size are welcome to help ease the financial burden caused by this cancer, the surgery, and the road to recovery. Any amount large or small is greatly appreciated!! If you are unable to donate, prayers and positive thoughts are welcome.

Thank you, and we look forward to keeping you updated on his journey to recovery!