Rallying Around Steve After His Whipple Surgery

If you know Steve and Jen, you already know they’re the type of people who’d drop everything to help someone else — usually with a laugh, a story, and a cooler in hand. Now it’s our turn to show them that same love and support.

Earlier this year, Steve was diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer — the kind of news that knocks the wind out of you. In true Steve fashion, he faced it with courage, humor, and a healthy bit of denial… ;)

He recently underwent the Whipple procedure — one of the toughest surgeries out there — and while the road to recovery has been steep, he’s meeting it head-on with that trademark grin (and the occasional groans from the stitches).

Why We’re Raising Funds

Many of us have asked, “How can we help?”

This page is simply a way to make it easy for anyone who wants to support Steve and Jen as they focus on healing.

Donations will go toward:

- Medical bills, physical therapy and recovery expenses not covered by insurance

- Travel costs for treatment follow-ups

- The day-to-day household rhythm that doesn’t pause when life throws a curveball

If you know Steve, you know family and friends are the cornerstone of his recovery plan. His comeback goal? To get back in the mix with the people he loves most — cheering on Doug, Rory, and Makaylie, laughing with Jen, and reclaiming his Clear Lake’s Pickleball King title. And when he does — Steve will have reminded us that, “It’s Tricky” isn’t just a Run DMC song. It’s a tagline for how to face the challenges life throws at all of us - with optimism, grit, and a grin.

Whether you give a little or a lot — or just share a memory or message of encouragement — it means the world!!

Let’s help Team Lud get through this chapter with the same strength and love they’ve always shown everyone else.

Thank you for being part of their circle.

— Friends of Steve & Jen