Support Tim Hackbarth's Fight Against Cancer

My name is Lisa Schott, and I have been a friend of Tim Hackbarth since 1997. We met in college and have remained friends since then. For all who know him, Tim is a pretty amazing person who would help anyone when they need it with no questions asked.

I am attempting to raise money for prostate cancer treatment for him, as there are extenuating circumstances that will cause a financial burden on his family, including medical treatment, travel, and time spent away from home and work to receive treatment. Tim and Heather initially deferred when I asked to start one, being private people and wanting to take care of the expenses themselves. However, we all need a hand up sometimes, and things continued to grow and complicate. Due to my pestering they finally agreed to receive help, and I am hoping to lessen one aspect of distress for them.

Tim first learned he had a very aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score 8, stage 3b) in the summer of 2024. As with all things medical, things move slower than desired, and frustration sets in when trying to set up treatment. Round trip driving 2 hours to see a doctor and surgery team, waiting and waiting for responses, and lack of equipment and inabilities of one surgery team led to trying other doctors and facilities. More doctors, more complications, and delay in treatment with each attempt to find care.

Finally, help was found in the team at Mayo Hospital. The equipment and surgeons there appear confident they can initiate his treatment regime in a timely fashion. Mayo is far from home for Tim, and his treatments may include surgical removal of the prostate, radiation every day for 6 weeks, and possibly chemotherapy. He is also getting hormone therapy, with many unpleasant side effects, that will last 2 years. The treatment plan changes as more is learned. The radiation alone is going to require hotel stays for 6 weeks, which will be very expensive, on top of treatment not covered by his insurance.

For a little background - Tim is a Sensitive Crimes Detective who specializes in child sexual assault. He has spent many years tracking down and detaining those sick individuals who commit these disgusting crimes. I am very thankful for people like him. He has been married to his wonderful wife Heather for 24 years. Heather is a senior accounting clerk for a small firm, and they have two amazing children, Faith and David. Tim is a strong Christian man who practices his faith by helping and loving others. He also loves working on old cars, attending car shows, and drag racing events. He and his family enjoy camping and outdoor activities.

All funds go directly to Tim and his family. If you can help even a little, it would be very appreciated.