CELEBRATION OF JON'S LIFE

Please join us in celebrating Jon's life!

DATE: Saturday March 10, 2012
TIME:  2pm
WHERE: Ocean Beach, Kelly's Cove (right below the Cliff House)
RECEPTION: The Clubhouse, 1555 Burke St. San Francisco, CA 94124

We will gather at Ocean Beach, one of Jon's favorite places, to remember Jon. Immediately following, please join us for the reception at The Clubhouse. There will be food, drinks, music, and more.

We look forward to seeing you there. If there are any questions please email Lynn directly at jgerhard16@yahoo.com

LOOKING FOR A WASHER/DRYER

UPDATE: Lynn and the kids are in the middle of moving into their new home. They have a wish list of things they need. First on the list is a WASHER/DRYER (hopefully a stackable one). We are hoping to find them a used one in our community ;-)

 

A MESSAGE FROM JON'S FAMILY....

To all of our loving, caring family and friends, we are very sorry to say that our beautiful friend Jon passed away peacefully in his home, with his family, Sunday the 28th, at 11:10pm. On Thursday night things took a turn for the worse and we knew he didn't have much time left. He was just as beautiful in life as he was during this whole process and in death. He was amazing throughout the his battle. He never complained, he continued to smile til the end. He will forever be in our hearts and will always be loved.

Thank you to everyone who has helped our family through this journey. We are overwhelmed with the love and support everyone has given us through this difficult time. Whether or not we were able to take you up on your offers for help, knowing you were all there helped us immensely.

We will let you all know shortly of our plans for a memorial for Jon.
Love, Lynn, Dean and Olivia Gerhard

UPDATE FROM THE GERHARD FAMILY....

Just want to update everyone on Jon's condition. We met with his Neurologist on Tuesday 1/17 and saw his brain scan and it wasn't good. He has many tumor's, more tumor than brain tissue... He is not very coherent, can have visitors, but can't really hold a conversation well. He remembers everyone but has very limited short term memory. There are no more treatment options for him and we will not be having any more doctors visits. Hospice has taken him on as a patient and they are helping us in many ways, therapy for me and the kids, better pain management, volunteers to come stay with him so I can run errands... the list really goes on and they have been amazing so far.
Jon and I spoke earlier this year about how he wanted me to handle his end of life wishes, in terms of who he wanted to see and who he wanted to me call. He wanted me to reach out to everyone he knows and let you all know that you are welcome to come see him if you would like. As you all know, Jon's friends are his family and he has a very, very big family. He loves all of his friends so very much and if anyone would like to see him just give me a call and I will make it happen. 415-879-0797. I just have to mention that he can't see more than 2-3 people at a time, he gets really overwhelmed. I also know that many people deal with this type of issue differently and we respect anyone that would rather not see him this way and it doesn't mean you love him less, we know that.
Fortunately for us, Jon is still his wonderful, silly, loving self and the tumors make him do weird things but he isn't aggressive or angry at all. He doesn't actually know what is happening and even if he is told he would not remember.
I also want to thank everyone for all of the support, love, food, donations and kindness that you have all shown us during this hard time. Knowing you are all out there ready to help if needed helps me know I am not alone. We love you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have all done. Love, Lynn, Jon, Dean and Olivia Gerhard

Thank You!

Dear Friends,

The past five weeks have been utterly extraordinary! We are deeply touched by the incredible and amazing support that all of you have shown for the Gerhard family during this trying time. To see so many people, from all walks of life, many of whom have never even met the Gerhards, come together to generously aid family in need is deeply heartening. Thank you all so much!

Special Thanks to Marin Link for helping us through this process, and to the Marin IJ for publishing The Gerhards' story.

 - The Jon Gerhard Fund

Jon and his wife Jacqueline have been married for 15 years. They have two beautiful children: Dean, who's 12, and Olivia, who's 7. Jon is an amazing father, husband and friend. He is one of the most caring people we know.

On March 4th 2011, Jon was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Stage 4 cancerous brain tumor. He suffered a grande mal seizure while at work and was transported to Marin General. He underwent a successful brain surgery, and seemed to be recovering from the cancer.

Unfortunately, on December 4th, the family received news that they found multiple tumors throughout his brain. They are inoperable due to size and location.

The doctors aren't giving Jon much time to live due to the severity of his disease.  Jon's wife will be his full time care-giver, but will be unable to work and provide income for the family. They will need our help financially to get through this devastating time.

Please use the "DONATE" button in the right hand corner to help the Gerhards through this difficult time and holiday season.  All donations are tax deductible if you use Paypal or send checks directly to MarinLink (please go the HOW TO DONATE page to learn more).  Thank you!

To learn more about Jon's story click on the tab to the right:  "Jon's Story".