A few days ago, Pat Doege received a devastating diagnosis: stage IV lung cancer that had already spread extensively, including to his hip. The bone cancer is so advanced that he can no longer walk. This diagnosis came too late, after years of unexplained and untreated pain that was repeatedly dismissed. Pat has suffered with pain that has been undiagnosed for years.

My name is Jennifer. Pat and Sara are the reason I met my husband. Pat was my husband Jon’s childhood friend and Sara was a friend of mine through high school and beyond. Our lives have been intertwined and even though time and distance happened the bond will always be there. When we saw the CaringBridge update, we knew we wanted to help. This is what community is for. This is what love looks like when life gets hard. Please help and support Pat, Sara and their daughter Kayla as they face the hardest chapter of their lives.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity and your prayers for them through this journey.