Make memories for Jon and son
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Jonathan has faced darkness that most of us will never understand. He is a quiet, sweet, caring, and humble man. His world is his son Jeffery and his cat Einstein.
Jonathan has been battling stage III testicular cancer for a few years now. He has been in and out of remission. Unfortunately, recently the cancer has come back with a poor prognosis for recovery even with treatment. He has been given a life expectancy of just over a year to two years.
The stresses a single father faces, alone can be difficult. Being terminally ill on top of that is unfathomable in my eyes. As a critical care RN, I unfortunately have seen what cancer does to people far too many times. Out of all of the things in my career that I have seen, this is on top of my list of things I wish I could unsee. I have seen the side effects of chemotherapy . The profound nausea and vomiting, the complete wipe out of energy, opportunistic infection after opportunistic infection. Jonathan still must work as he has been denied disability at this time and he must care for his young son.
They have faced a lot over the past few years, but as of recently they have had even more of a downward struggle. Jon had to start a new job, leaving him without insurance for the time being until benefits kick in, months down the road. He had to move unexpectedly and suddenly, losing his cat, who lays with him after all his treatments, due to a no pet policy. This has broke his spirit during a season when spirits should be high.
Luckily we were able to speak with his landlord and explain the situation with his cat. Once he knew what this cat meant to Jonathan, he graciously allowed Einstein to be reunited with them. I would like to do more for him though. I would like to restore some faith in life and show what the true meaning of the holiday season is all about. I would love to raise enough money to send them on a trip somewhere, one where they can make some great memories. My ultimate goal would be a trip to disney or his destination of choice. But even if we can raise enough money to help make this holiday season as stress free as possible. Anything helps, tis the season of helping others, and I can't think of a more deserving family.
Sincerely,
Heather Wiedenhoeft
Friend
Jonathan has been battling stage III testicular cancer for a few years now. He has been in and out of remission. Unfortunately, recently the cancer has come back with a poor prognosis for recovery even with treatment. He has been given a life expectancy of just over a year to two years.
The stresses a single father faces, alone can be difficult. Being terminally ill on top of that is unfathomable in my eyes. As a critical care RN, I unfortunately have seen what cancer does to people far too many times. Out of all of the things in my career that I have seen, this is on top of my list of things I wish I could unsee. I have seen the side effects of chemotherapy . The profound nausea and vomiting, the complete wipe out of energy, opportunistic infection after opportunistic infection. Jonathan still must work as he has been denied disability at this time and he must care for his young son.
They have faced a lot over the past few years, but as of recently they have had even more of a downward struggle. Jon had to start a new job, leaving him without insurance for the time being until benefits kick in, months down the road. He had to move unexpectedly and suddenly, losing his cat, who lays with him after all his treatments, due to a no pet policy. This has broke his spirit during a season when spirits should be high.
Luckily we were able to speak with his landlord and explain the situation with his cat. Once he knew what this cat meant to Jonathan, he graciously allowed Einstein to be reunited with them. I would like to do more for him though. I would like to restore some faith in life and show what the true meaning of the holiday season is all about. I would love to raise enough money to send them on a trip somewhere, one where they can make some great memories. My ultimate goal would be a trip to disney or his destination of choice. But even if we can raise enough money to help make this holiday season as stress free as possible. Anything helps, tis the season of helping others, and I can't think of a more deserving family.
Sincerely,
Heather Wiedenhoeft
Friend
Organizer
Heather Wiedenhoeft
Organizer
Grand Ledge, MI
