Husband of Melanie Sidwell Olson
Son of Carol & Jeff Kahnke & Neal Olson
Brother of Jenna Kahnke
Uncle, nephew, cousin, grandson & friend of many
Jonathan needs a bone marrow transplant. He also needs the help and prayers of family, friends and the community.
In May 2009, Jonathan was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). In recent months, he has endured several treatments of chemotherapy, many medical complications and hospitalizations. His only hope for survival is a bone marrow transplant.
Jonathan faces each day with a sense of humor and optimism that is motivational to all. As a devoted husband, caring son, loving brother and genuine friend, Jonathan’s determination and fight for life is inspiring. Because of the extraordinary expense of transplantation, funding this life-saving operation is a monumental task. Even with medical insurance, there are numerous uninsured expenses such as donor testing, matching and transplant, healthcare deductibles, prescriptions and the costly immunosupressant medication that Jonathan will need to take for the rest of his life.
This presents a challenge the Olson/Kahnke family cannot meet alone. To help offset Jonathan’s uninsured expenses, family and friends have started a fundraising campaign in his honor through HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for over 26 years. All contributions are administered by HelpHOPELive exclusively for uninsured transplant-related expenses. Donations through the HelpHOPELive are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Jonathan is asking for your help. Together we can make a difference for Jonathan and his family during this challenging time. We need all the help we can get. Please ask your friends, family members, coworkers, schools, houses of worship and community organizations to also support Jonathan. Click the red “EMAIL TO FRIENDS” button above and type as many addresses as you wish.
Updates (3)
December 17, 2009
Update
December 16, 2009
Hi everyone, Mel here. I know you have all been sitting on pins and needles wondering about the results of Jon's biopsy. Well hooray there are no blasts in the marrow right now. In reality there are no white cells there at all. But at least the leukemia did not get to laugh at the latest round of chemo. So what does this mean? Well, basically more waiting. Jon continues to patter around the oncology ward with no immune system, no infections (yay!) and a pretty good attitude. I received a call from the Hutch yesterday and they let me know that they have 3 possible donor matches in the computer and are sending out a request for more information on the first one. That starts a big huge process of testing and matching... all of which we have no information on for the moment but I promise to write as soon as I do. Until then Jenna and I continue to work on keeping the paperwork caught up. The website for Jon's fundraising will be up today or tomorrow so you should all see a notice for that soon. For now things are moving along and Christmas is around the corner. Thank you all for your support and prayers and love. For those that don't already have it, Jon's room phone number is 206-215-3920. Keep your fingers crossed! So far it's working!
December 30, 2009
One more victory!
December 30, 2009
Great News - Jonathan is officially in remission! What's next? We are currently working on finding a facility for Jonathan to receive a bone marrow transplant - as of today, the University of MN looks very promising. More news to come very soon...
Thank you to everyone who has supported Jonathan and the family during this challenging time. We greatly appreciate all those that have contributed - your support and love has gone a long way! Please keep spreading the word to raise money to help fund his bone marrow transplant. God Bless!
Photo Galleries (3)
Guestbook
March 10, 2010
Jeff, Wishing you the best for your family.
Jonathan, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim McCormick, St. Paul
January 12, 2010
I used to hang out with Jenna sometimes a few years ago and seen the link to this website on her FaceBook page. My Little sister is a cancer survivor and hope the best for you and your family.
Chris Durand / Mound, MN
December 20, 2009
hello my friend.....
words can not discribe what I feel, but this i do know ... You are a strong and beautiful man that is a gift to my life and knowing you is a wonderful blessing and fond memories and the next time your in the twin cities we will laugh again and share more. If there is any thing I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.
I Spent the day with your father yesterday and we had a good time catching up . I love you say hi to Jenna and Mel for me ,My thoughts and prayers are with you ...
Cindy Brill
Cindy Brill/Minneapolis,Mn.
