Active Kansas Firefighter Battling Cancer

My name is Kelly Welch, a concerned and caring friend of John and Wendi Mathis.

John Mathis (55) is an active firefighter at Ladder 5 (Station 5) and a paramedic with the city of Lawrence, Kansas. John has selflessly served our community for 28 years. For the last 12 years, Santa (John) has delighted children and families alike as he ushered in the Christmas season. He has also served Lawrence children and adolescents as a youth and high school Lacrosse coach, a sport he played in college.

Last spring, John began experiencing discomfort in his throat, and throughout the summer found it increasingly difficult to swallow. In August, a CT scan revealed that John had a large mass at the base of his tongue and throat. A biopsy confirmed that the mass is malignant, and unfortunately, due to its location, it cannot be surgically removed. After the biopsy, a PET scan was done, which determined that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Another CT scan, as well as an MRI, were done to rule out possible spread throughout his body. With aggressive simultaneous chemotherapy treatments and daily radiation treatments for the next 7 weeks, John's prognosis is good...but he has the biggest fight in his life confronting him.

Anyone who knows John knows that he is a fearless warrior. For as long as he remembers, John wanted to be a firefighter, and initially served Wakarusa as a volunteer firefighter and Assistant Chief. Those whom John has helped in times of crisis will tell you that his compassion for helping people is evident when he first arrives at the scene, and that his care and concern continue long after the immediate crisis has passed. After over three decades of selfless, devoted civil service, John was planning to retire in January; sadly, due to the nature of his job and daily radiation treatments, John cannot work. This has caused an enormous financial burden for his family.

John has an incredible Lawrence Fire and Medical family, who will help John fight this battle alongside his wife, Wendi, a high school biology teacher with USD 497. He has three children, one of whom is in college; a high schooler; and a middle school student. Wendi may also need to take a leave of absence to care for John and their children. John and Wendi's families and work families are their biggest supporters, but they cannot do it alone. John has had an outpouring of support since his diagnosis, but the medical bills are quickly growing and John is unable to work. Anything you can donate to this kind, selfless man is truly appreciated, and will go towards medical bills that insurance does not cover. "From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your time and support during this challenging, difficult time. With heartfelt loving gratitude and appreciation, the Mathis Family."

Warmly, Kelly