Eric underwent surgery to remove the tumor in April 2023. During the surgery, they found cacner in 14 lymph nodes. He started chemo again in May 2023. In July 2023, he experienced excruciating pain. Scans were taken in August, and a mass was found on his aortic bifurcation. A PET scan was taken shortly after. Results found that the cancer had spread.
Eric had a mas sin his back and a spot in his stomach. He was referred to Froedert in Milwaukee and began aggressive chemo again in September 2023. After several rounds of chemotherapy on the Froedert regimen, doctors found Eric was going into kideny failure in late October. Stents were placed to drain his kidneys. Shortly after the stents, it was discovered that Eric had developed a blood clot in his left leg. Within the following couple weeks, additional scans showed the cancer was aggressively spreading. The stents were also no longer working which caused Eric to have nephostomy tubes placed. With the cancer aggressively growing, Eric developed pneumonia. At that point, Eric was no longer able to do chemotheraphy. Unfortunately, as hard as Eric battled this disease, it became too aggressive and he was no longer able to fight the fight. Eric lost his battle on November 24, 2023.
Note from Nicole Villars:
When meeting with Jen, her perseverance resonated with me. I saw so much of me in her. The fog, the emotions, the survival mode. To be so raw, vulnerable and willing to meet with a complete stranger to tell her story, just months after losing her husband. I was in awe of her attitude towards what she has battled within the last year, while raising a family (who are incredible, by the way!). The instant connection of our trauma, brought me back to those first months of trying to navigate a life that no longer existed. My hope is to show her that piece by piece, you do smile again and you will find joy. I am honored the foundation is able to gift this to her.
