On January 12, my dad received shocking news of a stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis during a visit to the emergency room where doctors discovered several tumors on his spine. When going to the ER, we thought we were dealing with a slipped disk or a pinched nerve. Never did we expect the news of cancer and that one of the tumors was paralyzing my dad from the waist down. He was driven via ambulance to the U of M for urgent spinal surgery where the neuro team evaluated him, his situation and operated to try to recover as much of his mobility as possible.

After surgery, dad spent two weeks at the hospital going from ICU to acute neuro recovery to general recovery, before transferring over to the U of M’s Transitional Care Unit for rehab. During his four weeks in rehab, he worked every day with the PT, OT and nursing staff to build strength and mobility in his lower half.

For those of you who know my dad, you know him as a strong man, both physically and mentally. He’s someone who doesn’t sit still well, is handy beyond reason, will help anyone in any situation, and will put his loved ones before himself. To say these four weeks were tough for dad is an understatement.

Even with the physical and mental challenges the last several weeks have brought, dad fights and continues to fight because that’s just who he is. I’ve watched him go from unable-to-wiggle-his-toes right before surgery to now taking steps with a walker. I’ve watched and listened to his positive attitude even when everything seems so dark. I’ve cried into his chest while he rubs my back telling me everything will be ok.

On March 1, dad finally went home. It’s a huge milestone for our family, but the journey is not over. He will undergo six chemo sessions over the course of 18 weeks where we hope to shrink the prostate cancer that has spread to his rectum, lymph nodes and bones. There’s still quite a bit of uncertainty ahead of us including all the unexpected medical costs.

My parents (Mike & Cindy) were a one-income household supported by my dad. The financial burden this medical diagnosis has put on them is significant and has changed their lives forever. They are proud, hard working people and refrain from asking anything of anyone, so I’m asking for them. If you have anything to spare, please consider donating to this Go Fund Me. The money will go directly to my parents and be used to cover his current and future medical bills that will accrue as he fights this diagnosis. If you’re unable to donate but still want to help, please consider sharing this with your network and keeping my dad and our family in your prayers.

I will never be able to fully repay the support we’ve received from so many, both near and far, over the last several weeks and saying ‘thank you’ just doesn’t feel like it fully covers it. My family and I are eternally grateful for everyone’s generosity, support and prayers.

Love,

Stacey

Update: I’ve been asked by several folks if they can Venmo me. Yes! My handle is @Stacey-Jaeger-55 and I’ll get this to my parents. Thank you.