Urgent Pancreatic Cancer treatment for Jon

Jon (42) needs your help and he needs it fast.

Jon has been battling Pancreatic Cancer since June 2023. Recent news of new Cancer progression to his liver means that time is running out for any chance of remission from this cruel, aggressive and highly lethal disease. Pancreatic Cancer (without the correct treatment) has the poorest survival rate of all cancers due to the speed at which it spreads.

Jon has endured 10 months of attempted treatment, starting with major surgery in August 2023 to remove the primary tumour on the head of the pancreas. This traumatic operation was then followed by 2 different chemotherapy regimens. Jon was subjected to the harsh reality that are the side-effects of Pancreatic Cancer treatment - immuno-suppression induced sepsis, feeding tubes, depression, blood clots, lifelong medication, scarring, 70+ supplements per day, opioid withdrawal and isolation (amongst much, much more). The disease has slowly ripped Jon’s life from him, where there was friendship, love, ambition and music, there is now terror, fatigue and crippling overwhelm.

Despite the gruelling nature of the past 10 months, Jon has kept remarkably fit. He has been walking, talking and laughing most days with his fiance Bryony (27). He has also maintained a carefully crafted diet to promote healing and combat chemotherapy toxicity. Jon’s family, particularly his Mum (Valerie), Dad (Tony), little brother Alex, and friends have been a vital source of support, grounding and laughter throughout this intensely difficult time.

Sadly, in April 2024 Jon’s chemotherapy treatment was suspended. His cancer has moved to his liver and is growing. The remaining treatment options do not hold promise (long wait-times, and no available clinical trials at present). The news has devastated Jon, his partner and his family, especially as the chemotherapy had been working to a point, only for the tumours to develop resistance in the last month.

Remission is still possible, with the right treatment, if it is given quickly while Jon is still healthy. Each day that goes by with Jon left untreated, decreases his chances of remission.

Private oncology clinics overseas are offering Jon precision-based immunotherapy using extensive genetic testing to treat his cancer. These approaches are not feasible options under the confines of the NHS (brilliant though it is). This targeted approach to Pancreatic Cancer treatment, using the body's own immune system is absolutely crucial for Jonathan's survival.

The medical bills for such advanced treatments are beyond the Ward families’ capabilities. The financial strain is exacerbated by Jon’s inability to work due to fatigue. With your help, we can alleviate some of the financial burden of this life-saving treatment, giving Jon the opportunity to fight the disease into remission. (Which is still possible, if we act quickly).

Jon would like nothing more than to create a life with his fiancée Bryony. They are deeply in love and have plans to start a family and pursue a simple but meaningful life for as long as they possibly can. Bryony is a driving force behind Jon’s search for treatment and will stop at nothing to make sure that Jon has the chance of life that they so deeply wish for.

Jon is a talented artist. He wishes to create and share his music and art with the world to spread love, acceptance and beauty. He is cherished by his family, friends and community and has always shown compassion for others, helping to teach new skills to his friends, and listening and providing help when times have been hard. Once his health has stabilised Jon wishes to return to his design business that he has worked extremely hard to build over the last 13 years, through some difficult times.

Unfortunately this is not the first time that Jon’s life has been touched by cancer. His best friend James Dean was cruelly taken at age 37 which was devastating to all friends and family. May he Rest In Peace.

Please donate to make sure Jon receives the treatment he needs, quickly.

Thank you from Jon, Bryony and family xx