Donation protected
Kimberly Jongejan is a gifted leader and is the Cultural Programs Coordinator/Artistic Director for Northglenn Youth Theatre and Academy. She has dedicated her whole career (since 1996) to promoting the value of youth and community arts. To say that she has touched the lives of many is quite the understatement. Countless stories could be told about her infectious passion for the arts, her commitment to excellence, and her personal impact. Her event planning skills are often relied upon. She is tireless in her work to better each community she is a part of.
On May 7, 2019, after several months of health struggles, Kim was told that she had multiple lesions (holes) in the bones in her arms and spine and that one of her kidney's was beginning to fail. The lesions are consistent with a cancer called multiple myeloma - and is a potentially aggressive cancer of the plasma. She is beginning chemotherapy already as she waits for the results from a biopsy to direct specific genetically targeted treatments.
This road will be long and difficult for Kim and her family. Kim and Phil, Maddie (22), Annika (18), and Elise (15) will each have their own journey with this disease. To complicate matters, the Jongejan family just bought a house and were in the process of moving when Kim's cancer was discovered. The journey of treating any aggressive cancer is a complicated, tiring, and expensive journey. There are some tangible and obvious needs, and others will be discovered later.
Finances can be very stressful, especially when dealing with cancer. The physical and emotional toll, the interrupted work hours, the added treatments on top of other obligations, the difficulty of knowing when and if to spend money on self-care or things that improve life and treatment - It get's complicated and overwhelming very quickly.
Please take a moment and consider donating to this page. We have a beautiful opportunity to support this beautiful family through this difficult time, and to make this journey a little easier.
Thank you.
Brad Dykstra (Kim's brother)
An additional note from Brad:
When my son was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, I felt uncomfortable with the idea of accepting so much money from others. However, that money has been truly crucial for us - certainly financially, but more so mentally/emotionally. It allows us to make choices based on what's best for treatment and self care. It allows days off from work when things get difficult. It allows for rest and healing rather than just doing what's necessary to make ends meet. I am honored to ask for your help in providing the same support to the Jongejan family.
Money is not the only need. Here are a few more options.
Current ways to help:
Missy (our sister) has set up a Meal Train. Consider providing a meal.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a45a4ab23a4f58-meals
Prayer - Those of you who pray - do so, and do so often.
Follow Kim's Caring Bridge - This will keep you up to date and inform you on any additional needs.
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kimjongejan
Notes, texts, and calls of encouragement - The journey of cancer can feel very isolating. You don't need to say the right thing or fix anything. Just show Kim and the family you're still here.
Get creative - Think about what you would need in that situation, and then give that. Have some fun showing Kim and the family your love and support.
On May 7, 2019, after several months of health struggles, Kim was told that she had multiple lesions (holes) in the bones in her arms and spine and that one of her kidney's was beginning to fail. The lesions are consistent with a cancer called multiple myeloma - and is a potentially aggressive cancer of the plasma. She is beginning chemotherapy already as she waits for the results from a biopsy to direct specific genetically targeted treatments.
This road will be long and difficult for Kim and her family. Kim and Phil, Maddie (22), Annika (18), and Elise (15) will each have their own journey with this disease. To complicate matters, the Jongejan family just bought a house and were in the process of moving when Kim's cancer was discovered. The journey of treating any aggressive cancer is a complicated, tiring, and expensive journey. There are some tangible and obvious needs, and others will be discovered later.
Finances can be very stressful, especially when dealing with cancer. The physical and emotional toll, the interrupted work hours, the added treatments on top of other obligations, the difficulty of knowing when and if to spend money on self-care or things that improve life and treatment - It get's complicated and overwhelming very quickly.
Please take a moment and consider donating to this page. We have a beautiful opportunity to support this beautiful family through this difficult time, and to make this journey a little easier.
Thank you.
Brad Dykstra (Kim's brother)
An additional note from Brad:
When my son was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, I felt uncomfortable with the idea of accepting so much money from others. However, that money has been truly crucial for us - certainly financially, but more so mentally/emotionally. It allows us to make choices based on what's best for treatment and self care. It allows days off from work when things get difficult. It allows for rest and healing rather than just doing what's necessary to make ends meet. I am honored to ask for your help in providing the same support to the Jongejan family.
Money is not the only need. Here are a few more options.
Current ways to help:
Missy (our sister) has set up a Meal Train. Consider providing a meal.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a45a4ab23a4f58-meals
Prayer - Those of you who pray - do so, and do so often.
Follow Kim's Caring Bridge - This will keep you up to date and inform you on any additional needs.
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kimjongejan
Notes, texts, and calls of encouragement - The journey of cancer can feel very isolating. You don't need to say the right thing or fix anything. Just show Kim and the family you're still here.
Get creative - Think about what you would need in that situation, and then give that. Have some fun showing Kim and the family your love and support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Brad Dykstra
Organizer
Thornton, CO
Kimberly Jongejan
Beneficiary