Jonnie's prosthetic device (leg)

LET'S GET JONNIE A NEW LEG !!!
Just when we thought he was in the clear with cancer, we got more bad news. 
The cancer and chemotherapy had attacked Jonnies right leg and foot, blocking all the major arteries, causing immense
pain. After numerous unsuccessful surgeries, and the onset of gangrene, it was decided that it would had to be amputated above the knee. Next shock to us was that insurance does not cover prosthetics, and the cost of a prosthetic leg is anywhere between $5k-$50k. We are now trying to raise enough to get Jonnie a prosthetic leg.

While we continue looking into grants and financial  assistance, nothing of yet has materialized. Any help including prayers, small donations, suggestions, or even forwarding  this on to your circle of friends is much appreciated. We want to thank everyone that has already donated towards Jonnies cancer, for the local fundraiser put on by dear friends too, it truly has been a great help and we are so so grateful.

 If you care to read the full story, please read more.........

 

Donated Recliner :)

 (Please excuse the scattered text, this is a go fund me formatting error were trying to get fixed)

Jonnie has undergone quite a lot this past year. As many of you know, he was diagnosed with aggressive Non-Hodgkin's
Lymphoma. Cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. His spread to areas in his head. He underwent a vigorous
6 months of chemotherapy. 

After many prayers, generous donations, and support from friends and family, we are happy to announce that after all of
the  treatments they could not find the  cancers. Jonnie is in remission! Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the
bottom of our hearts  to the countless number of people who were there for us, and are still here for us now.
Just when we thought he was in the clear, unfortunately, we got some bad news.  About 4 years ago, Jonnie underwent 
bypass surgery in his right leg to remove a major blood blockage. He recovered quite quickly and didn't expect what
was to come.

During the course of his chemo treatments, he noticed similar symptoms resembling those of his earlier bypass.
This included difficulty walking, and severe pain in his foot and ankle. After thorough exams, his Dr. discovered a full blockage in the main artery in his right leg.  An ultrasound proved that there was no blood flow whatsoever to his poor foot.
The same surgeon did another bypass, by inserting a synthetic plastic type tube/artery to replace the current blocked
artery. Unfortunately about a 2-3 weeks after this surgery, the  pain and symptoms worsened. The surgeon made one
last chance effort by performing a third bypass to remove the new blockage in the new artery. They told us there
was a 50/50 chance of success.
Unfortunately, it was not successful, and they were unable to unblock the recent artery replacement.  The  surgeon 
indicated  that the damage caused to the artery and surrounding veins was likely due to the chemo/cancer attacking
the weakest part of his body.  There was no blood was flowing to his leg, veins, muscles or foot. Gangrene was quickly
moving up from his foot, and appeared to show signs of entering his knee. 

At this time, it was determined that there was no other choice but to immediately amputate his leg  above the knee. In a
dual back to back surgery procedure, Jonnie's  leg was amputated. It was successful, and is healing normally, but
painfully.

Now, two weeks post surgeries,  he is still in great pain but continues to push through, with his usual smiles, contagious laugh,  and an occasional joke. He has even picked up the guitar a few times and written a couple songs.
We have received so many kind gestures and prayers through out Jonnie's medical issues including local fundraisers
from a special group of  friends, and and we are forever grateful. There have even been people we don't know
(or haven't met  yet!) that have contributed. We are truly blessed!

More bad news. Unfortunately, our insurance will not cover a prosthetic leg. They do not even cover a wheelchair, or a
walker. We ended up purchasing them second hand and thankfully in good condition. We have received many private calls and messages from friends asking to us to set up an account, such as gofundme,  to assist in the purchase of a prosthetic leg. We had decided not to do this initially, because we just posted one for the cancer only a short time ago. But we have been consistently encouraged to do so under the circumstances.

We have discovered that prosthetic legs can range from 5k-50k, and usually only last 3-4 years. Hopefully technology will catch up and his next one will be his last.

Many of you know how athletic Jonnie is. Working out four or five days a week was usual. He loves racquetball, tennis,
yoga, biking, and so on. We really hope we are able to find a prosthetic that will allow him to go back to a similar lifestyle
that he is used to, but walking on his own two feet is his top priority!

I am applying to be his in home health provider and get some compensation, but it's a grueling and tedious process.
We continue to apply for grants and other financial assistance but nothing, as of yet, has materialized. We are always
open to suggestions and advice if you can offer them. Any help, including prayers, small donations, or even forwarding
this on to your circle of friends is much appreciated. 

Warmest Thanks,

Jonnie and (wife Joey) 




Ringing The Bell. Last round of chemotherapy, prior to amputation.