Help Brian fight like crazy one day at a time

Brian Folkers and his family, wife Judy and their three children, Haylee, Jackson, and Jonathan had their world rocked on October 28, 2022 and will forever be changed. Brian is my best friend and we grew up in Oelwein, IA.

It started in late August of 2022, Brian’s eyesight was getting worse, he went to the eye doctor and got new glasses. No change. Brian went to his primary care physician (PCP), had a great conversation and a game plan for the next 30 days, which included seeing an ophthalmologist. As the 30 days went on, Brian’s symptoms worsened exponentially.

He went back to his PCP on October 28 and was sent to the ER shortly after speaking to her. Tests were immediately started while he was in the ER. They found a tumor in the brain and that resulted in more tests. Later that night he was admitted into the hospital.

He was hospitalized from October 28-November 9. On October 29, Brian and his family were told he was diagnosed with colon rectal cancer that has metastasized into the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and brain. He also has precancerous cells in his esophagus, bladder, and kidneys.

On November 3, Brian had brain surgery. They were able to take out the 2 tumors which has helped his eyesight some.

On November 9, Brian was moved to Marianjoy Rehabilitation center and was there till November 23; at which time, Brian was discharged and was able to go home.

Brian and his family are taking it one day at a time and are fighting like crazy. Brian started his first round of chemo on November 28. On December 5, he started 10 days of whole brain radiation. Because Brian was in complete and uncontrolled pain, the medical team decided to run another MRI on December 10 to find the root cause of his pain. The results showed he has cancer in his pelvic and femur bones.

Brian and Judy have both been off of work since October 29. Judy is his full-time caregiver with only a 12-week FMLA and STD/LTD are not available at her employment. Brian is on STD and will continue the process into LTD and then will be on disability after the time allowed.

Brian and his family have been shown tremendous love and support from family and friends, but as you can imagine the bills are piling up with little income coming in. Thank you to those who have already given in some way.

Anything you can give is greatly appreciated and will be used to help Brian and his family with everyday living expenses and medical bills. Please donate using GoFundMe or feel free to donate directly to Judy on Venmo @Judy-Folkers her last 4 of phone is 9708

You can help the Folkers Family fight this ugly disease called cancer by the following:

1. Give what you can. No donation is too small.

2. Share on social media (#teambrian).

3. Email/text this page to your friends and family.

4. Pray for Brian and his family.