'One step at a time' for Marion brain cancer patient

After a lifetime of challenges, Justin Baker is facing the fight of his life - an aggressive brain tumor.

But with the help of his friends, the 25-year-old Marion man is staying optimistic.

“A positive attitude with a bad diagnosis can sometimes be the best thing,” says Sue Rowbathom, nurse manager of the Perrine Oncology/Neurosurgery Center at Mercy Medical Center, 701 10th St. SE.

Baker's best friend, Bobby Udell, 24, of Cedar Rapids, has been by his side since he was diagnosed with Stage IV glioblastoma two months ago.

“His attitude has been unbelievable,” Udell says. “He's gonna fight and exhaust all of his options before giving up.”

In March, Baker had severe pain in his leg. After several scans and MRIs, the brain tumor was discovered.

He had surgery April 26 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City to remove 85 percent of the tumor. He was then transferred to St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids for rehabilitation before going home.

“He did well for a few weeks,” Udell says. “For two weeks, we went out and did stuff to gain a sense of normalcy.”

How to help

How to help

Bobby Udell is planning a fundraiser for Justin Baker's medical expenses. Send donations to Justin Baker Benefit, Farmers State Bank, 399 Edgewood Rd. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

The week before Memorial Day, Baker began to have chest pains. Blood clots - a common result of being immobile for a long period of time, such as after a surgery - were discovered in his lungs and he was admitted to Mercy.

Last week his condition worsened and he was unconscious for several days. He has since stabilized and has resumed radiation treatments for the remaining portion of the tumor.

Udell's sister reached out to Greg Cantwell, 37, of Iowa City, on Facebook. Cantwell is a seven-year survivor of glioblastoma and is now a motivational speaker.

Baker and Cantwell sent text messages to each other and now Cantwell visits Baker regularly.

“That's what I do,” Cantwell says. “I've dedicated my life to helping people with brain tumors.”

Having a strong support system plays a huge part in recovery, he says.

Baker's supporters include Udell, Caldwell and Baker's sister, Dawn Houlsworth and her husband, Kyle, who he lived with in Marion. His grandmother, Sharon Marsh, just moved to Cedar Rapids from Council Bluffs to be closer to him.

His support system also includes his mentor, former KCRG-TV9 helicopter pilot Bobby Ratliff. When Baker was 12, he wrote a paper about his dream of flying in a helicopter.

“He got an A on it and I sent him $20 and it just went from there,” Ratliff, 43, says. “He's the first and only member of my fan club.”

Ratliff took him up in a private helicopter and became a father/brother figure to Baker. He and his wife, Aimee, took Baker on trips and gave him guidance.

“We did as much as we could for him,” Ratliff says. “He is so gentle and kind and honest.”

When he heard about Baker's worsening condition a few weeks ago, Ratliff immediately drove to Cedar Rapids from Cleveland, where he now lives.

“He has to be the least deserving person to have this illness,” Ratliff says. “He's paid his dues.”

Baker seems surprised at how many people care so much for him, Ratliff says.

“If you go through life and don't hurt people, you accumulate friends,” he says.

Baker's prognosis is unknown, according to Rowbathom at Mercy.

His lifelong goal was to graduate from college. While he was in a coma, Kirkwood Community College awarded him an honorary degree.

But Baker hopes to complete the heating and cooling program and earn the degree himself.

He also hopes to “go some place fun on vacation” and attend home Hawkeye football games.

“It's our goal to get him out of here,” Udell says. “It's one step at a time.”