On Wednesday, August 3, Wayne suffered a seizure. He was rushed to Ridgeview Medical Center and quickly transferred to Abbott Northwestern Hospital where they discovered two brain tumors. Two days later, he underwent an eight-hour surgery where a portion of the tumor on his left temporal lobe was removed. He recovered from surgery exceedingly well. Since then, however, we have learned that Wayne’s tumors are glioblastomas, the most aggressive type of brain cancer.

A common saying in our family – perhaps to a fault – is, “Ask Wayne! I bet he can do it.” Noteworthy examples include: Shingling his in-laws’ roof in a single weekend. Coaching youth baseball and hockey across nearly all levels and age groups. Preparing entire Thanksgiving spreads for his extended family. Donating a kidney to his sister when Lupus caused irreparable damage to hers.

So if anyone could face this heart-shattering diagnosis with strength, courage and optimism, it is Wayne. And that’s exactly what he is doing.

But he and his beautiful family need our help. Wayne is unable to drive or return to work. In addition to oral chemotherapy, he will have radiation treatments five days a week. Lori is taking an unpaid leave of absence from teaching. Annika (22) and Anders (19) are in college, and Tryggve (15) has three more years of high school.

We want the Irenes to be able to focus on Wayne’s care and spending time together, rather than worrying about how bills will get paid. Because one thing Wayne does the very best is this: loving his family.

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https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/wayneirene