The day after his wife suffered a miscarriage, Tony Jones learned from doctors that he had pancreatic cancer.

"Two low blows, back to back. It was pretty rough," he said.

Jones was 32 when he received the diagnosis in February 2007.

"People say 'it's an old man disease' and 'you're too young.' That's not the case," he said.

His tumor was the size of a baseball, and doctors told him it was inoperable.

He underwent chemical and radiation therapy for months, after which a PET scan showed no evidence of cancer.

"We knew it was a miracle," he said. "Everybody wants to see a miracle, but who wants to go through one?"

But the miracle didn't last.

Cancer returned to his body, and he went through two more rounds of chemotherapy. He also lost his job in a layoff.

Jones said he was able to bounce back after the first two bouts of chemotherapy because of his youth, but it was different following the third.

"All of this has been tough. I feel like I'm young with my life ahead of me. I have a wife and two kids," he said. "Being diagnosed with something totally changed our lives."

Jones didn't have health insurance. His American Indian health benefits covered hospital stays and only some of the treatments. The medical bills racked up.

"I've got bills out the wazoo," he said.

His wife, Johanna, is a hairstylist, providing the family's only income.

"Since the economic slide, she's making just enough to get by," he said. "When we were both working we were doing great."

Jones spends his days taking care of his daughter, Eden, 2.

"It's really tough to recoup from chemo and chase her around," he said. "She's got me wrapped around her pinkie. It doesn't matter if I'm throwing up on the toilet; if she cries, I'm running to help her."

He also tries his best to be active with his son, Joel, 10.

"Even though I'm going through all this nonsense, I have to be a father and play catch when I feel like I can't or kick the ball," he said. "I want my son to say his dad was a warrior the whole way through."

Jones said he tries to take advantage of spending as much time with his kids as he can, even if it's just taking a little longer while reading bedtime stories.

"You want to make an impression on your kids so they remember who you are," he said.

About the fund drive

This year’s goal is to raise $300,000 by Christmas Eve. In 2008, the fund collected $414,456.

Each Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday through the holiday season, the Tulsa World will spotlight families chosen by The Salvation Army to receive assistance through this year’s fund.

None of the money raised is used for administrative costs, and cash is not given directly to the families. Instead, The Salvation Army issues vouchers for specific needs.

To help families such as the one featured today, send a check or money order to the Neediest Families Fund Drive, in care of the Tulsa World, P.O. Box 21920, Tulsa, OK 74121- 1920. Donations are tax deductible, and donors can be anonymous.