Jon O'Hern

Jon is husband to Mandy (Pylelo) O'Hern and father to Paxton (19), Sam (16), Luke (13), Lucy (13), & Stella (7). Jon was just 33 years young when he was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (Small lymphocytic lymphoma) on March 26, 2008. He underwent a round of chemo and thankfully by August of 2008, Jon's cancer was in remission. Right before Christmas of 2011, he discovered his cancer had returned. A new type  of chemo began. In May of 2012, he was in remission for the second time. Early January 2014, Jon was told that his cancer had returned for a third time. When the cancer returned this time, it was time that Jon start looking at alternative treatment options other than the different forms of Chemo that were offered locally in Sioux City. This took them to Omaha to consider a clinical trial option and at this time serious stem cell transplant discussions started. Jon underwent a clinical trial treatment and it was decided that the risk vs. reward of stem cell transplant was too high at this time to consider since there were alternative treatment options still available for him. Unfortunately, the clinical trial treatment option did not work as well as they had hoped it would and it was decided that he would go on a long term treatment plan of daily chemo pills to essentially maintain and keep the cancer managable for as long as possible. Since then Jon has had physical battles with the effects of a weakened immune system. Jon has had a hard go of it the last couple years with his body trying to fight off everything and anything. Things we might all consider simple such as bug bites and common colds lead to pneumonia and organ failure. Unfortunately, in March of 2017, Jon's body had finally had enough of the prolonged treatments. He became very sick with kidney failure, pneumonia, bronchitis, heart trouble among plenty of other complications. He was in the hospital for an extended period of time and they found out that his cancer had become more aggressive. His team of doctors determined that the best and pretty much only plan to consider doing at this time would be for the team to focus on getting Jon healthy enough again to do a stem cell transplant which leads us to where we are today. He is at the beginning stages of what will be his year long stem cell transplant success story. Jon and his family have rolled with the punches and handled everything these last 9 years has thrown at them with minimal complaints or questions. He is able to do this with great support and strength from his strong and amazing wife Mandy, family and friends. This family has faced more difficult challenges and decisions in these last 9 years than any one family should ever have to imagine.  They could all use the encouragement, support and prayers from anyone and everyone willing to help.  Please follow this site to keep up with Jon's journey.