How you can help!!

*I am John's oldest sister Clarissa, I am publishing this post on behalf of my brother because he needs your help. My brother is a great person, not just because I am his sister, but because he really is. He is the first person to help anyone who needs it. He is kind and sympathetic of other people and their situations. He is the kind of brother that makes you glad you have a brother. He always calls my kids on their birthdays and if we aren't together he always calls on holidays to see how everyone is doing.

John is a great father, his girls are so in love with him. They are always climbing on him and teasing him and he is always there making them laugh or helping them tie their shoes or put on their coats or whatever they need. He will sit and hold them when their sick and piggy back with them when they are playing. John is never too busy to be a dad.

John is a great husband and he loves his wife. He helps Tressa with the girls and the house. He works full time and is going to school. He loves to be with Tressa just hanging out, watching movies, playing basketball or tennis. They are always laughing and having so much fun.
He is a great person going through a terrible thing. Please, if you are able, help him and his family. He would be so grateful for any help you can give.

John has been diagnosed with a rare cancer. Rare enough that several of doctors have denied him treatments. There is one doctor that says that he may be able to give him help but John's insurance company may not cover the tumor blockers. The insurance needs some proof that the medication will work, and there is none with John's cancer because they don't have enough patients with his cancer to do research on.

Another option John has is to do a natural treatment with Chemo with a doctor in Reno, NV. The treatment there is very expensive and is not covered at all. Either choice John makes, they are both going to be out of pocket. I know it's a lot to ask but if you could just help my brother, I believe it will be worth it. He wants to try everything. If he went by what the doctors told him, he would be sent home to die. As long as he is trying everything he can, that's all he can do. It's too bad that money is an issue here for such a great guy.

Love,
Clarissa

John's nephews and niece. 2003
Jacob, Erika, Shawn

*I don't think any of us know how we would react faced with our own mortality, until we are. John has faced that fear with strength, courage, and determination- not only once, but twice now. I am so impressed with the man that John has grown to be. The love and dedication he shows for his wife and daughters. The loyal friend that he has been to so many. The giving and caring son he is to our mother. I am so grateful that I have such a caring and thoughtful brother in my life and I am so proud to be his sister.

Much love, Jen

John's family, Jen, Ruthie, Missi, Clarissa

*As I began writing about John many thoughts were streaming through my head. John, A 24yr old kid. My brother and friend. Kind, gentle, soft-spoken, thoughtful, smart (almost genius). But, most importantly what kept coming back,was that he is a husband and father. A wonderful father to Shay (5) and Roxy (3). Two beautiful girls who love and adore their dad.

When I think about John having Stage 4 cancer and possibly losing him the thoughts are unbearable. Every treatment for cancer is expensive. For John the treatments he needs (because of expenses) are out of reach. With the help of family and friends, and anyone willing it doesn't have to be.

John needs our help now- urgency is key. Any donation possible would benefit John and his family greatly. Thank-you and God Bless for helping in anyway that you can.

Missi

*This is a tough situation because I hate to ask for anything, especially money! The difference here is the love for my husband. Just the thoughts that I may not have him soon because of cancer are unbearable. It's hard to imagine my life without him, to take care of our girls without him. Of course I have thought about it, like what about my little Shay with special needs who loves her Dad more than anyone in the world. I worry about her more than myself! What will she do without her Dad??

(John and Shay the day we were all sealed together) Logan, UT 2005

I keep saying I am terrified and these are some of the reasons why. What do I do?? What can I do?? I have to stay positive for John and keep pushing him to try his best. I know that he is my eternal companion, what would I do without that knowledge? That is what keeps me sane!! I love this guy, my John so much!! Please help him, please help me, please help my girls, because we need our John! Anything helps! We love you and thank you all!!!

Humbly,
Tressa

Marsh Valley High graduation 2003