Donate to help Joel Strom with medical expenses.

Hi, my name is Jon. A friend and co-worker of mine was recently diagnosed cancer. For more, please take the time to read what Joel's sister, Ellen, has written below.

My brothers journey with cancer:

Right after the holidays this year my big brother called me with some scary news. He had cancer. All I could think about was how can I be on this planet without my brother being here too. Cancer? Really?

My brother’s name is Joel Strom and he is just the best kind of person in the world. I know some may think I am biased (and I’m sure I am) but for those of you who know my brother you get it. If you don’t know him I hope you have a “Joel type” person in your life because everyone should.

I am asking for your assistance with any type of donation for him because in addition to mounting medical bills, Joel has not been able to work since this process began and he is the sole bread winner for himself and his wife. They are falling into a debt situation that is going to have long lasting consequences since he has to find ways to continue to care for his wife (who has struggled for years with significant health issues) and now for himself as well. He worked diligently and proudly for over 2 decades at a custom digital and screen print graphics company. Reluctantly, he is no longer able to work there. He takes care of his family, and has an optimism and humor about life that just make people love him. He is passionate about the world and those who struggle in it. He is one of the kindest men I know just like our Dad. Although his extended family would never leave him homeless you can imagine that this unexpected disease has taken much of my dear brother’s sense of security and safety from him and his wife. Please help him feel a little more safe with any donation you can afford. Joel has never asked for help from anyone but he now faces challenges he never expected and really needs your help.

So here’s what happened after that first phone call from my brother in January. While on business travel in MN, Joel went to an urgent care clinic, and was immediately referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where he was was diagnosed with malignant squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. I went to be there with him while he underwent surgery on his neck where they removed three enlarged large lymph nodes, one of his tonsils and took multiple other nodes (37) from his throat and neck for analysis. He was so brave through that scary event and even though he didn’t complain I know it was difficult, scary and painful for him. The treatment plan then started the end of February where he went through chemotherapy and radiation daily for the next 6 weeks. I watched in awe of my big brother’s resilience. Although I know he continues to minimize his stress and pain, he has shared with me that the recovery process has been hard and now continues to challenge him daily. Even the smallest tasks leave him exhausted and needing rest. The treatment team was forthcoming and direct about the difficult recovery time that would lie ahead of him. They said that after the radiation and chemo stopped it would get worse before it gets better…and it has. This could last for many months to come.

Additionally, I must say he has been the model patient and he was told that by the amazing healthcare providers who cared for him. I can’t say enough about the Mayo clinic and Joel’s team. The care he received has been stellar and mirrored the compassion and kindness of my big brother. He has been told his prognosis is good.

My big brother Joel is a truly beautiful soul and to me he is one of those unsung heroes who quietly and humbly takes care of others gladly and without complaint while asking for nothing in return. I am asking you to find it in your heart to help him now.