After 5 months of treatment we were told Jon had 6 months to live. That his cancer was too aggressive and no further treatment would help. The next day Jon said to me “Lets get married”. We were 22 and 23, had been dating for 8 years, knew we would get married one day, so we did it. We got officially engaged, traveled to Disney World, went on a family vacation to Hilton Head, got married, honeymooned in Hawaii, snorkeled, ATV’d, went on a helicopter ride, got lots of massages, traveled to San Fransisco, Seattle, Napa Valley, and Vegas with friends from college, took weekends to the Finger Lakes, went to New York City during Christmas time, went back to Disney World, and so many happy, fun moments in between it all. We truly made the most of every moment. We even got a puppy. Jon didn’t want to sit around on the couch and be sad about his diagnosis, he wanted to live his life, make memories, and not waste a second of time. Receiving a bad prognosis is almost as bad as when you actually lose the person you love, but knowing the memories you made with them, all the adventures you went on, and all the laughs you shared makes it hurt a little less.

Our goal is to create a memorable experience for patients and families. We aim to fund an experience, special event, or activity. Some examples may be a sporting event, trip to Disney World, or a concert. We can help support an experience that is important to you.

The application can be found on the link below in the blue box labeled “Application”.

Email all applications to jdsfoundation716@gmail.com with subject “One Day at a Time Fund Application”.

A phone interview will be scheduled after the application is reviewed.

• 18-35 years old

• Serious Prognosis

• Doctors note listing disease and prognosis information

• Located within the United States

• Feel you need assistance with a special event or activity

Cancer treatment is a very difficult, unfair, scary experience that has no clear roadmap on how to navigate. Family support and therapists help, but talking to someone who actually went through the same or similar experience is very beneficial.

When Jon began high dose chemotherapy at Indiana Universities Simon Cancer Center he was able to text with a past patient. Those few text exchanges meant more to him than any of us will ever know. When he felt his worst, he knew he would feel better in a day or so based on his mentors experience. He was given a different perspective than any doctor could offer him on how he would feel day by day.

With the help of hospitals, patients, and families we believe finding mentors to guide patients through such unprecedented times is important.

Contact your oncology team to inquire about being matched with another patient. We are working on establishing relationships with cancer centers to more seamlessly connect patients and families to one another.

Our Facebook page is also a resource to connect patients and families.

Facebook group