Gary’s Story

Site created on July 25, 2020

Journal entry by Janice Toebben — 19 hours ago

It is hard to believe that Gary Toebben has Bladder Cancer.  This was discovered June 9th, with blood in his urine, while we were in Lawrence, Kansas.  An ultrasound, blood test, CT scan, and chest Xray later, revealed stage 4 cancer that has metastized to his ribs, spine and pelvis bones.  We are fortunate to be going to the USC Norris Cancer Hospital on Monday to begin chemotherapy treatment with Dr. David Quinn.  This will occur every two weeks for four times.  When treated, he will be admitted to the hospital for the overnight chemo.
We appreciate the outpouring of calls, cards, flowers and prayers from family, and so many friends and former colleagues across the country and several foreign countries, offering prayers and support for us.  We are very fortunate to have our son, Andy and his wife Julia, along with our grandchildren - Teo(4) and Kai(2) - here in Pasadena - temporarily from San Francisco.  
We will give this our best - even in the time of COVID-19 - and appreciate the universe of love we feel!
- heart
Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

August 23, 2022

Journal entry by Janice Toebben —

It has been one week since Gary’s passing. I am on my way to Pasadena to wrap up life there and prepare to sell our home of 16 years. It is with mixed feelings I do this, having loved our time here in California. 
Thanks so much for the amazing and beautiful outreach to me during this saddest of times in my life. I shall forever be grateful. 
I will return to Lawrence shortly to begin another chapter and celebrate Gary Toebben’s life on September 8th at 11 am at Plymouth Church in Lawrence, Kansas. 
Your words and gestures have buoyed me this week, knowing how Gary was both loved and appreciated. I was truly a fortunate person to get to spend 35 years of my life with this amazing man and all of our family. 
Devon, Andy, Wyatt and Seth, as well as their spouses and 9 grandchildren have continued to lift me up and keep me going. I know eventually I will need to run on my own power. Thank you Toebben, Kim, And Haase clan for your love and endurance with me. ❤️🌻
Thank you precious friends, far and near, for your love and good thoughts.  
“Signing off and shining on” ⭐️
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