Jason and Jenny have been married for 28 years and live in the suburbs of Chicago. They have three children – two daughters and a son. Their two daughters are married; one lives in Nebraska, the other in Tennessee. Their son is a senior in high school.

In February 2021, Jason’s chin went numb, and a couple months later, he was in intense pain. It took several specialists before the cancer diagnosis was made. In fact, Jason and Jenny heard the news on their anniversary, June 4^th. Jason had squamous/spindle cell carcinoma inside his jawbone. On July 8^, 2021, his lower right jawbone was removed and reconstructed with his fibula, a leg bone. Unfortunately, that was not the end of the story. Chronic infection ensued over several months along with several more surgeries and intravenous antibiotics. He also endured six weeks of radiation and chemo in the fall of the same year.

By April 2022, Jason seemed to have finally conquered the infections and felt well enough to return to work after being out for nine months. It was quite a celebration for all his coworkers, especially Jenny (who works in the same office)! But the pain never left. This concerned one of his surgeons and so a scan was done. There was another tumor towards the rear of his jaw and under his ear. This tumor was removed on August 3, 2022 and reconstructed with skin, tissue, and artery from his shoulder. Before leaving the hospital from this surgery, yet another tumor was identified. It is located under his cheekbone near his eye, ear, and brain. This time it is inoperable.

Jason began proton radiation on September 8, 2022, along with chemo. The treatment is for seven weeks. Radiation is every day Monday-Friday and chemo is administered one time each week. There is only one proton radiation center in Illinois and they are so thankful to receive this targeted treatment.

All of the above, plus pain and the effects of its treatment, have been an ongoing issue and so Jason is unable to work. At this point, Jason does not know if he will ever be able to return to work. This was a very difficult reality Jason has had to come terms with. He loves his job and being the provider is a role that weighs heavily on him. So many, including his place of work, have shown us great kindness and generosity, but financial strain may be in the near future.

Jason and Jenny’s faith in the Lord Almighty is what has carried them through this trying season and they know He will carry them through whatever lies ahead. Many times, the Lord has provided in ways they would never have expected or wanted, but He has always provided. They are forever grateful for your ongoing commitment to praying and caring for them.

Do not fear, for I am with you                                                                                                                                                                    Do not be dismayed, for I am your God                                                                                                                                                    I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.                                                                   (Isaiah 41:10)