Help Steve Ohman Battle Cancer

In September 2016, our brother, Steve Ohman, was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma, a very rare soft tissue bone cancer. As he explained to us, soft tissue cancers make up only 1% of all cancers, and his type of soft tissue cancer makes up only 1% of that 1%. Because it is so rare, there has been very little research completed, and today, there is no cure for his cancer. The list of complications from this horrible disease continues to grow.  He was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and this has been an extremely difficult year for him as he has been in and out of the hospital numerous times. In April, he went through kyphoplasty, which is a surgery aimed at rebuilding certain vertebrae in his spine that have undergone compression fractures.  In June, the doctors discovered a tumor that is dangerously close to his spine. Due to the risks of the surgery, the doctors could not do surgery to fix this.  As a result, he is now paralyzed from the abdomen down.  Since that time, not only is he dealing with pain because of the cancer, but he is now experiencing intense nerve pain (neuropathy) because of the paralysis. Two weeks ago, he was hospitalized again so that the doctors could help manage his pain. While in the hospital, they discovered that the cancer appears to be causing fluid build-up in his left lung.   We now understand that this is another way that his cancer manifests itself in his body. He has since undergone surgery for a drainage tube that will allow the fluid build-up to be managed. 

Steve is currently on short-term disability, and his wife, Sherri, has resigned from her teaching job of 30 years to care for him full-time. We are thankful that he has very good insurance, but even the best insurance still requires co-pays, deductibles, and other expenses that are simply not covered. We are also thankful for their church family who has provided them with a handicap vehicle that will help once he is able to be in his wheelchair again. We have each been asked by others “how can we help?” As his brothers and sister, we have been burdened over the past several months about not only how we can help them, but how others can help them as well. We have talked at length and understand the gravity of the responsibility that we have to share Steve’s story. We feel like this is a small way that we can help our brother and his family maneuver through this difficult time. We do not take this process lightly and realize that giving financially may not be possible for everyone. Here are three ways you can help:

1. Pray. We believe in a God who works miracles, and while He has not yet chosen to heal Steve, we know without a doubt, that prayer and God’s promises has gotten them through some very dark days.

2. Give. All money given will be provided directly to Steve and Sherri and will be used for medical expenses that are not covered by insurance, as well as other expenses that have incurred as a result of them both being unable to work. As an example, because of recent intense pain, Steve has not been able to be transferred to his wheelchair at all. Because of that, any visits to the doctor or hospital require an ambulance transport. That alone costs over $1,000 each time. As you can imagine, with a limited income and covering normal expenses, there is simply not enough to cover these additional ones.

3. Share. Social media is a very powerful outlet, and it is the best way we know to share his story. Our hope is that there may be someone in your social media network who knows Steve. A simple share of this post could help so much.

We speak for our entire family when we say, “thank you”. Thank you for any encouragement you can offer during Steve’s cancer journey.