My neighbors need our help

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
So about 2 weeks ago my neighbor Shannon came over to Allie and I and nearly broke down as she told us that Jon, her husband, has been diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic cancer. Jon's a young guy at 43 years old, and having lost two cousins to Pancreatic cancer, I know how fast it can be.

The new word from the doctors is that it may be treatable with aggressive chemo, so there's more hope than originally thought. I may not know them very well, I really like to keep to myself so there isn't a whole lot of interaction between them and I, but I DO know that Jon is a great guy with a great family. When we first moved into the house he told me if I ever need to borrow something, a tool, snowblower, lawn mower, whatever it is, go ahead and get it - meanwhile I don't even like it if somebody looks through my open door at the "treasures" I've got in my garage, haha, and here's Jon basically telling me that his garage is my garage.

He and Shannon have two younger boys, 12 and 10, and their father means the world to them. They're fit and active together, they do benefit runs together, 5k's, you name it. I see them as the basic "All-American" family. It was a shock to Allie and I to hear that cancer had chosen such a young, healthy guy like Jon. If you've got the means to help out, please do. Allie and I are doing everything we can and I want to be there for this family however I can. Here's the gofundme that Shannon set up:

https://www.gofundme.com/wn552h3k

EDIT: Obviously keeping the Whiddens in your thoughts and prayers is welcome if you're unable or apprehensive to donate cash - I totally understand.
 
Last edited:

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Just a quick update, since I don't expect any of you to be following their GoFundMe or Facebook posts, but Jon's cancer has done the unexpected and has shrunk a bit! The treatment is working.
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
To keep everyone here updated:

Shannon posted a (difficult) update this afternoon. The family took a trip to the Grand Canyon, apparently Jon grew up in the area and has been wanting to go back, so they did. Here is what Shannon had to say today:

"We started this week off with a fantastic view of the Grand Canyon via a helicopter! Jonathan's wish was granted in the biggest way for his family and not a minute to soon.

It is 5 months to the day of Jonathan's diagnosis. Today February 11th, Jonathan's health has turned for the worst. His kidneys have just about stopped working. The Dr gave us less then a week as a prognosis. :( :(. We are moving Jonathan into a 24hour hospice facility in Arizona.

My heart is broken into a million pieces for both my wonderful honey and our boys. It never gets easier having to tell them bad news about their dad....this time was just awful, my honey couldn't help me. But thankfully I have a wonderful sister-in-law and brother-in-law who we are staying with this week. They have been here helping out at every twist and turn. My mom and mother-in-law are flying out here to be with Jonathan and all of us during his finally days.

My sweetheart has always been our rock from the very beginning, always looking out for us. I guess you can say he still is.....he didn't want to leave a memory like hospice care in our family home. Instead he's enjoying as much of this Arizona heat as he can.

Please send prayers that gobble guides him peacefully to his next journey.

Much Love
Shannon"


I'm trying to put myself in their position and I cannot even fathom it. It's such a gut-wrenching thing to try to imagine, let alone experience it, and this Sunday is their oldest son's birthday no less.

The Whiddens welcome your prayers, well wishes, and condolences.
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Jon passed away peacefully the afternoon of the 13th.

I'd like to thank you all for sending your prayers and well wishes to my neighbors. To those who donated, I want you to know that you helped make a dent in some massive medical care bills that, as you can probably imagine, have the Whidden family stretched thin.

They've gotten a huge outpouring of local help over the last couple of months, and I imagine once they're home it will continue. They were able to make the most of their short time together before Jon's passing and he was with his loved ones when he left this world.

I have one more favor to ask of you: Take advantage of what life has to offer you. Be kind to oneanother. Hug your loved ones. This is a cruel world we live in, we may as well make the most of it.

Sent from my VK410 using Tapatalk
 
Top