Charlie’s Story

Site created on August 4, 2020

Charlie Stempien (Sr) is a dedicated husband, father to four boys, and grandfather to six kids who adore him.  In addition to being the rock of the family, Charlie continues to run his own business as he has for the last 45+ years.  In late July 2020, Charlie and the family were dealt a shocking blow when we received the news that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had continued to struggle from what started as a cough that wouldn't go away earlier in the year, to the point where he couldn't sleep due to pain in his chest when he laid down. 

We want to use this sight to keep friends and family informed of what's happening during Charlie's treatment journey, as well as allow people to send Charlie notes or words of encouragement during this difficult time.  Charlie and the family will do our best to provide periodic updates as to his health, well being, and overall progress during the coming months.

Although at this point we still are working through both the final diagnosis as well as treatment plan, here is a summary of what we know.  On July 22nd Charlie found out he had some form of lung cancer that was to be officially diagnosed and confirmed through additional tests/procedures such as a biopsy.  Since that time he has gone for a number of tests/procedures to help pinpoint the specifics. The initial indications from meeting with multiple doctors (including his pulminoligist and oncologist) is they feel they can treat this.  The cancer is definitely in his right lung and appears to be in both lungs.  There is a lot of fluid around the left lung which is causing a high degree of pain. The amount of cancer does not appear to be all that high and therefore likely his treatment will consist of radiation, followed by chemotherapy, and ultimately followed by immunotherapy on a going forward basis. The doctors key concern early on is that the cancer has appeared to spread back to the spine.  Although it's still to be determined, the hope is that it has not yet moved into the spine as is only moved toward a vertebrae.

The cancer is not yet officially "staged" at this point, but we anticipate stage 4 given it's moved from the lungs to the back. The doctors are optimistic this is treatable, but much is dependent on upcoming test results.  Charlie is receiving his treatments from doctors near his home in Michigan, although he will be getting additional opinions from doctors at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago (which is one of the best there is).


Given the unprecedented environment we're in with the global pandemic, Charlie absolutely cannot have visitors at this time due to the risk of catching covid and impact that can have on him.  So please respect this request and reach out via this site and let him focus on battling each and every day.  I have to also ask for everyone to keep his wife Barb in your thoughts and prayers as well....she has been a superstar throughout this and undoubtedly will be busy as well during this journey.  We'll keep everyone in the in the loop as much as possible, but please send positive thoughts and prayers his way while he fights this battle!    

The Stempiens

Newest Update

Wake and Funeral Arrangements

Journal entry by Jeremy Stempien —

Hello everyone,

Many have reached out and asked for information on arrangements.  Below I've simply laid out the information (I still plan to add some more to the site when things settle down a bit).  

Very importantly, both the funeral home and church has stressed that everyone MUST wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

Wake

The wake will take place at Matz Funeral Home in Mt. Prospect (410 East Rand Road) on Wednesday, October 7th from 3pm until 9 pm. 

Please note there are no more than 50 people allowed in the wake at any given time and the funeral home has asked us to police that.  We'd ask that everyone who visits be respectful of the number of people visiting and after you  visit  please politely move any conversation outside so that we can ensure everyone can pay their respects.   

We also want to be conscious of risks associated with Covid and therefore will make efforts to minimize contact such as hugs and handshakes (very sad). 

Funeral

The funeral will take place at St. Emily's Catholic Church in Mt. Prospect (1400 E. Central Road) on Thursday, October 8th at 11:00 am.   There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00 - 11:00 am ahead of the funeral for anyone who was not able to attend the wake.  

Additional Respects

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.  If you would like to share a story or leave a kind thought on his life for the family to read, please do so on Charlie Stempien’s page at www.caringbridge.com.

Thanks everyone for all the continued support and well wishes.  

The Stempien's

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