Father and daughter diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

When a family hears of a cancer diagnosis the first thought is devastating while they try to grasp what is ahead of them.  For the Fahrenkrug family in Coloma, Pete received the news on Jan. 10, 2022 from his physicians that he had stage four pancreatic cancer and would need to begin treatment. Pete is an Army veteran, a retired firefighter, and a paramedic, he retired on Jan. 10, 2020 – just two years prior to his cancer diagnosis.  Pete and Susan Fahrenkrug have lived in Coloma for approximately 10 years.

They decided with Pete’s cancer and treatment they needed a family vacation and they took their family to South Carolina to enjoy time together.  While there, their daughter, 23 year-old Tristin, came down with a headache and was feeling under the weather.  They returned home in the evening and as Tristin was getting out of the car, she fell.

Pete and Susan made sure Tristin received medical attention as this certainly wasn’t the norm for Tristin who was an accountant, independent, and very much on her own. They took Tristin to the Emergency Room at ThedaCare and after some testing where they saw a mass on her brain, she was sent to UW-Madison Hospital.  She had an invasive surgery to remove the brain tumor and the surgeon was confident that he got it all or as much as he could without damaging the brain.  On July 5th they received the news that the test from the tumor came back as Stage 4 Glioblastoma, a rare, fast and aggressive brain cancer.

To date, both Pete and daughter Tristin, are fighting Stage 4 cancer, something this family is bravely facing with treatments and doctors appointments.  Tristin is unable to continue her job as she suffers from short-term memory loss.  Pete is undergoing chemo treatments every other week and Tristin has chemo treatments to be followed by radiation.  This family needs your love, support, and prayers.

Medical and household expenses continue to rise for the family and a benefit is planned by Bonnie Fritsch, (Susan’s sister)  for Saturday, Aug. 20 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakwood Bar and Restaurant, Wild Rose. All of the Fahrenkrug children including Steven, David, Cody, Brianna, and Christine are assisting with the benefit for their sister and father,  along with their Mom, Sue, and Sue’s sister, Bonnie Fritsch. There will be basket raffles, auction items, 50/50 raffle, hot dogs and more. Music will be provided by Justin Levanetz.

Tristin’s favorite baseball team is the Milwaukee Brewers and to show support while attending the benefit, please wear your favorite Brewer gear if you can.

How can you help?  Monetary Donations can be dropped off at the Waushara Argus with checks made out to Pete Fahrenkrug and/or Tristin Frahrenkrug; baskets for the raffle or any silent auction items can also be dropped off at the Argus.  There is a Pete and Tristin Cancer Fund set up at Community First Credit Union, 1006 Royalton St., Waupaca, WI 54981; you can also donate by Venmo at Venmo.com – Tristin Fahrenkrug – Pete Fahrenkrug.

Your support is appreciated by the Frahrenkrug family and with the love and support of this community and beyond you can make a difference for this family.

For more information please contact Bonnie Fritsch 920-765-3337, or Sue Fahrenkrug at 920-647-6747.