Forsberg Family Fundraiser
Donation protected
This fundraising campaign has been established by friends and family of the Forsbergs, who want to help them manage the medical expenses related to Jay’s cancer treatment. Please give what you can to get us to our initial goal of $8,000. No amount is too small!
About Jay
Jay is the quintessential family man. He and his wife Janel have been together for 14 years and are raising two daughters: Jaylen (11) and Brynna (9). Together, they love exploring the great outdoors – from the forest to the ocean! And food! Jay loves that, too.
Jay is a natural teacher. That’s his profession, actually. He educates middle-schoolers on science and business technology at TriNorth, coaches cross country and track, and he teaches much older "kids" about wine and the science of winemaking during his part-time gig at Oliver Winery.
A Change in Plans
Just a couple of months ago, however, Jay began feeling ill and missing a lot of time in his classroom and his first shift at the winery over his five years of employment. Those who know Jay know this was extremely atypical for him. Jay's cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever, fatigue and labored breathing were too severe to ignore, and so he saw his doctor the following week. After some preliminary diagnostic testing, the doctor determined that Jay might have one of two things - pulmonary tuberculosis or thyroid cancer.
On October 10, Jay met with his oncologist Dr. Allerton, and learned the results of the CT scan he’d had a few weeks earlier. His labored breathing was explained by an alarming mass growing at the base of his trachea and extending down toward his diaphragm. The mass had actually shifted his esophagus and was partially obstructing his bronchi. Additionally, the lymph nodes in his chest were enlarged. With this evidence and the symptoms Jay had been experiencing, it seemed that some form of lymphoma was a more probable diagnosis. More extensive scans and blood work were ordered, surgical biopsy and bone marrow biopsy were scheduled, and treatment scenarios were discussed.
Then, a few weeks later, a dramatic turn of events. A follow-up CT scan performed after his school day revealed pneumonia in his right lung. He was immediately hospitalized for treatment. After getting him stabilized in the ER, he was moved that same night through ICU and then to Oncology, where his oncologist visited and shared the final results of his earlier biopsies. It was different than expected. Jay was officially diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized in his chest, and he began chemotherapy that night.
The Road Ahead
Jay’s treatment plan involves three forms of chemotherapy - two received over 5 straight days and repeated every two weeks, and a third every single Monday.
As of today, Jay has recovered from pneumonia, completed his first round of chemo and had an orchiectomy. The procedure was successful, and now he is preparing to begin the second round of chemo on November 24th.
Jay, Janel, Brynna, and Jaylen continue to smile and laugh, and are taking this new journey in stride. All in all, things are looking good, and they are grateful to have a diagnosis and treatment plan. There is no doubt that the medical expenses will continue to accumulate for the Forsbergs, especially given Jay’s long-term leave from work. Although he would love nothing more than to get back into the classroom, the middle school environment is a challenge for his weakened immune system. If you are able, please contribute to this fund. We want Jay to focus on his health and wellness so that he can get back to doing the things he and his family love most!
About Jay
Jay is the quintessential family man. He and his wife Janel have been together for 14 years and are raising two daughters: Jaylen (11) and Brynna (9). Together, they love exploring the great outdoors – from the forest to the ocean! And food! Jay loves that, too.
Jay is a natural teacher. That’s his profession, actually. He educates middle-schoolers on science and business technology at TriNorth, coaches cross country and track, and he teaches much older "kids" about wine and the science of winemaking during his part-time gig at Oliver Winery.
A Change in Plans
Just a couple of months ago, however, Jay began feeling ill and missing a lot of time in his classroom and his first shift at the winery over his five years of employment. Those who know Jay know this was extremely atypical for him. Jay's cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever, fatigue and labored breathing were too severe to ignore, and so he saw his doctor the following week. After some preliminary diagnostic testing, the doctor determined that Jay might have one of two things - pulmonary tuberculosis or thyroid cancer.
On October 10, Jay met with his oncologist Dr. Allerton, and learned the results of the CT scan he’d had a few weeks earlier. His labored breathing was explained by an alarming mass growing at the base of his trachea and extending down toward his diaphragm. The mass had actually shifted his esophagus and was partially obstructing his bronchi. Additionally, the lymph nodes in his chest were enlarged. With this evidence and the symptoms Jay had been experiencing, it seemed that some form of lymphoma was a more probable diagnosis. More extensive scans and blood work were ordered, surgical biopsy and bone marrow biopsy were scheduled, and treatment scenarios were discussed.
Then, a few weeks later, a dramatic turn of events. A follow-up CT scan performed after his school day revealed pneumonia in his right lung. He was immediately hospitalized for treatment. After getting him stabilized in the ER, he was moved that same night through ICU and then to Oncology, where his oncologist visited and shared the final results of his earlier biopsies. It was different than expected. Jay was officially diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized in his chest, and he began chemotherapy that night.
The Road Ahead
Jay’s treatment plan involves three forms of chemotherapy - two received over 5 straight days and repeated every two weeks, and a third every single Monday.
As of today, Jay has recovered from pneumonia, completed his first round of chemo and had an orchiectomy. The procedure was successful, and now he is preparing to begin the second round of chemo on November 24th.
Jay, Janel, Brynna, and Jaylen continue to smile and laugh, and are taking this new journey in stride. All in all, things are looking good, and they are grateful to have a diagnosis and treatment plan. There is no doubt that the medical expenses will continue to accumulate for the Forsbergs, especially given Jay’s long-term leave from work. Although he would love nothing more than to get back into the classroom, the middle school environment is a challenge for his weakened immune system. If you are able, please contribute to this fund. We want Jay to focus on his health and wellness so that he can get back to doing the things he and his family love most!
Organizer
Paul Mui
Organizer
Bloomington, IN