Rich and Joleen were high school sweethearts. Their 40+ years of marriage and beautiful family leads their purpose driven life. In addition to treasuring the time they spend with their children and grandchildren, they give back to their community and would literally give the shirt off their backs to total strangers in need. Their community and charitable contributions are too many to state. Most notable include Rich being a volunteering fire fighter and Train Engineer for the Fennimore Wis. Rail Road, "Dinky", and Joleen's frequent time spend with individuals in Hospice.
At 62, they both work extremely hard in blue collar jobs where they are dedicated and valued. All-in-all, they are amazing, caring and compassionate folks that give selflessly of their time, talents, money when they can and sometimes when they can't afford it. That is just the type of people they are.
Sadly, Rich fell sick some time ago and after more than a year of medical guessing, he was diagnosed with cricoid Chondrosarcoma (a rare throat / vocal cord cancer.) Surgery is required. Unfortunately, the only surgeon in the US that does the type of surgery he needs is in NY, NY.
After months and months of challenges with getting insurance to cover any part of the surgery, they have it scheduled for mid-November. Unfortunately, insurance will not cover all the medical cost and none of the housing and meal cost. Rich will be in the hospital for 5 days; however, will need to stay in NY for post operative care for an undetermined amount of time.
In addition to keeping the Oyen family in your prayers, please take this opportunity to pay it forward to two amazing and hardworking people we love by donating anything you can. No amount is too little or too large!!
Many thanks in advance!!
