I’m John’s cousin living in Iowa and on September 12, 2019, John Ernst was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroendocrine cancer - a rare form of cancer that started with a tumor behind  his sternum in his lungs, moved to his bone marrow and now spread to his liver. John had no prior symptoms except pain in his chest which he thinks is due to water skiing in late July causing him to get it checked out. Due to its rarity, John has to travel to see a specialist at the University of Iowa for treatment. John will start his first round of chemo on October 13th and could be on it for several rounds, even years. This cancer will be a lifelong battle as it is a hormonal cancer that likes to recur.  

Please help the Ernst family on this journey to offset medical costs and travel.  They would also like to give back to the Neuroendocrine cancer family by supporting research and awareness of this rare disease and soon to start a non profit organization. 

John is an elementary principal in Olathe, KS. He is 41, a runner, and sports enthusiast.

John with his wife Heidi of 15 years, his son Joe age 12 and his daughter Carlie age 10.