Dear friends and family, As Paul’s cancer journey continues, so does the financial burden. Over the past few months I have asked Paul if he and Karen needed additional financial help. As it would be for any of us, it was very hard and humbling to admit the need and accept additional financial assistance. As I explained to both Paul and Karen, this is a way that we can show our love and support during what is a life altering time in their lives and help make a difference. Paul has not been able to work for many months, has had additional hospitalizations and cancer treatments have had to be paused for several months due to Paul’s body’s reaction to treatment. With Paul and Karen’s permission, I am reaching back out asking each of us to reach a little deeper to help Paul and Karen with what seems like an insurmountable financial burden. I asked Paul and Karen to provide an update for everyone (see below) as we reach out again to friends, family, work family, church family and others to ask for financial support. Please know this ask is not easy for Paul and Karen. They are so very thankful for the generosity shown by everyone thus far. However, the journey is long, exhausting and overwhelming physically, spiritually, and financially. Let us come together to help support our beloved Paul and his family through our financial support. The goal is increased to help meet their financial need. Thank you.

Below is an update from Paul and Karen:

“We want to extend our deepest appreciation for your incredible support, generosity, and prayers during this challenging time.

In early October, Paul was hospitalized for 16 days after having a g-tube placed (feeding tube) to assist with nourishment. He has been struggling with severe mucositis and a throat infection since May, making difficult for him to eat or drink. During his hospital stay, Paul faced complications that required time in the ICU.

While doctors are still unsure what led to the improvement in his throat during that stay, we were so thankful that he was able to come home able to eat and drink with much less pain. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, the pain has gradually returned, and he has needed to restart antibiotics and antifungal medications.

Paul’s chemotherapy has been on hold since August to give his body time to heal. He is now in the process of applying for long-term disability, though he continues to hold out hope and determination to return to work when he is able.

We remain deeply grateful for everyone who has reached out, donated, or kept Paul in your thoughts and prayers. Your continued support means more than words can express.

With heartfelt thanks,

Paul, Karen, Nathan and Nicholas”

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Hi, my name is Vickie Franck. With permission from Paul Berning, I am setting up a Go Fund Me account for Paul and his family. Any monies from this account will go directly to Paul and Karen to meet current and future needs of their family. Paul’s friends and family know what an amazing husband, father, friend and nurse he is. Paul has served our patients and community for over 35 years touching countless lives. Many of us have had the blessing and privilege to work with Paul for many years or know him through church, or their sons’ activities. He is a caring, kind, genuine, gentle servant of God whether it is caring for patients in the hospital, serving at his church or providing for his family. It is our turn to care for Paul and his family as they traverse this difficult journey. Most of his friends and family know that a few weeks ago, Paul’s wife Karen took Paul to the emergency room due to vomiting and stomach pain. After a few tests and a few days in the hospital, it was confirmed that Paul has stage IV colon cancer with metastasis to his liver and lymph system. This unexpected news turned their world upside down. The extensiveness of the cancer has prevented resection of the tumor at this time. Paul will begin his chemotherapy journey in a few weeks with hopes to reduce and eradicate the cancer. This will be a challenging journey for Paul, Karen and their two sons. Please consider contributing to this Go Fund me effort to minimize the financial stresses that come with a catastrophic diagnosis. In addition, please lift Paul, Karen and their boys up in continuous prayer. God is faithful. His Word and love is their strength. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. Thank you for considering donating to Paul and his family.