Aaron’s Story

Site created on March 19, 2021


***Please note that requests for donations on this website go toward supporting the Caring Bridge website. They do not go toward Aaron.***


Greetings to all Aaron's family, friends and first favorites.

As most know, Aaron was diagnosed with testicular cancer while on vacation in Boise, Idaho. Within 5 days, Aaron underwent surgery. A couple days later, we drove home to begin his recovery work. At this point, Aaron still has some cancer in his body that needs to be eliminated. Thus, he will begin some intense chemotherapy at the Kootenai Cancer Clinic in Post Falls. His first session is set for Monday, March 29. He will go through 3 or 4 rounds of treatment, which will either end in late May or late June, depending on the course Dr. Nathaniel Gay prescribes. We are under no illusions; this is going to be an arduous journey for Aaron. Anyone who has done chemo knows it isn't for wimps. Aaron doesn't totally have his mind wrapped around what lies ahead, but he knows its serious. He feels a level of anxiety as he has tried to decipher all the medical terms used by the doctor. He's also still recovering from the surgery which took a lot out of him. He has said several times over the past few weeks, "This is not my favorite." 

We are also grateful for many reasons. We deeply appreciate friends who have shown great support and that we have a God of many names, one being "Jehovah Rapha," which means "God is my healer." When Aaron came out of surgery in Boise, we couldn't help notice that Aaron's first nurse assistant was named Emmanuel, which is Hebrew for "God is with us." When we met with Dr. Gay, Aaron told the doctor that God was with Him. God has always been with Aaron, so we have no reason to doubt God won't be with him through this valley. Where he leads we will follow. As the apostle Peter once told Jesus (when many disciples had given up following Jesus),  “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” We pray that we will have this heart.

Psalm 34:19-20 says “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.” I came across a corresponding prayer to this Psalm:  "Father, You will not leave us alone, for You are near. We may have affliction, but You deliver us. You are so loving and faithful. So we look to You now, Father, keep these bones and heal this body. We ask for healing and give You every ounce of glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Thanks for your friendship and support of Aaron. We know he has touched many lives and amassed a multitude of "first favorites."  

***Please note that requests for donations on this website go toward the Caring Bridge website. They do not go toward Aaron.***

If you'd like to send a card to Aaron (he treasures each one he receives) you can mail it to 8137 N Summerfield Loop, Hayden ID 83835.

Newest Update

Still On An Upward Trajectory!

Journal entry by Kurt Staeuble —

Aaron just completed his latest PET-scan to check out the status of his insides. The good news is things are still looking clear! His oncologist gave him the green light to go back to work, as well to have his port removed. At his August scan report, Aaron's lungs hadn't healed much from the chemo. But this time, the images revealed Aaron's lungs had radically improved. 

When we go to the doctor's office to hear the results of Aaron's scans, he is pensive. He listens very closely as he knows his life is affected by the outcomes. He doesn't understand everything that's said, and so after the meeting he'll ask us questions. He was very interested in looking at the PET-scan from March compared to the most recent scan. It mades him realize how much cancer was inside of him. He was a mess!

It's been a long time since Aaron has been to work. Prior to his cancer diagnosis, his work schedule was thrown off because of COVID cases at work, his mom's hip surgery, and other factors. To say he's excited to return to the Union Gospel Mission is an understatement.

Just prior to his latest scan, Aaron went on a trip that had been scheduled for last February. He finally got to go to Alabama to see aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends he hadn't seen in a long time. For all the travel, he held up really well. And he got a good feel for the deep south, as he also visited Mississippi, Georgia, and for a few moments, South Carolina. He tried eating grits, hush puppies, Mississippi BBQ and beneigts. Everyone was so hospitable and friendly. Photos from the trip accompany this post.

Aaron's hair has returned, albeit a slightly bit more wavy than before. He's okay with it, but it's a constant reminder that, in some ways, he will never be the same after what he endured.

We are glad to be moving forward, but never want to forget all the prayers and kindness we received through some tough days. Aaron's survival depended on an expert team of people who stepped up big time to see him through. We thank God for the multitude of graces he provided. 

Read More of the journal titled "Still On An Upward Trajectory!"
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