Helping to care for Jerry and Donna

Dear Family and Friends,

In late July our father went into the hospital with stomach pain and nausea - it was determined he would need to have his gallbladder removed and that he also was dealing with pancreatitis. The surgeon noticed some irregular-looking growths on his liver during the procedure and took some biopsies. We learned a few days later that they were cancer cells and the following week was filled with tests, appointments, and ultimately a diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

This news has been shocking and heartbreaking. We are all still getting our footing on his diagnosis and adapting to this reality. We have shared his diagnosis with family and some friends however word has begun to get around. Our father knows a lot of people and the outpouring of love, care, and support has been truly wonderful.

Our father began chemotherapy last week at Dana Faber in Boston and will be making bi-monthly trips to the city for treatment. My brother, sister, and I have received many calls from his college and high school friends along with community friends, former patients as well as our extended family inquiring about how each of them may help lessen the burden on my father and Donna. After many ideas were considered and despite being financially ok, we chose to establish a GoFundMe account to allow all those expressing a desire to help somehow and show support to our parents. This account will be used for assistance with gas, food, and hotel stays along with covering any gaps in his health care insurance such as co-pays or medication needs not covered by his insurance.

The GoFundMe account will be a place for all those looking for a way to help show their support for Jerry and Donna. Many have offered to prepare and drop off prepared meals however distance and practicality are true barriers to this loving gesture. With this fund, my sister and I can ensure allergy-free food that will be prepared in a local kitchen which will be made ready-to-eat meals tailored to their dietary needs. We then can-do weekly pick-ups and delivery to their home.

Other choices we will elect to use the funds include gas cards, gift certificates to local restaurants near their home, and all the unexpected but real costs that occur with our dad’s treatment.

The other very valuable gifts are the prayers you pray, the prayer lines you add our dad to along with texting, cards, and words of encouragement. Both of our parents need that type of practical support. My dad has set up a blog on a website called CaringBridge.com. Enter either Jerry Hevern or Gerard Hevern into the website and register. You can have updates as he and Donna post this new journey.

Our father is a kind, caring, funny, and all-around amazing person. We know that he has not only been a great father but also a wonderful friend, colleague, and doctor. Thank you to all those who have reached out and given your support.

Love,

Shannon, Erin, and Tim