Fundraiser Story:
Hi, this is Nancy Booz. I’m starting this fundraiser for my dear friends, Glenn and Rachel Nelson Fortner.
Glenn has Stage 4 metastatic lung cancer, and at 77, he’s in the fight of his life. After surgery and treatment in Colorado, he was accepted into a clinical trial at MD Anderson in Houston—his best hope for slowing down this aggressive disease. Since March, they’ve been flying back and forth from Grand Junction to Houston biweekly. The financial strain has been intense and we need your help.
Who Glenn Is:
If you’ve lived in the Grand Valley long, you probably know Glenn. Over the years, he’s painted countless backdrops and built set after set for community theater productions—including dozens of children’s shows with the Performing Arts Conservatory (PAC). He also worked with Grand Junction Senior Theatre and served as Technical Director for the Grand Junction Symphony, helping bring professional-level productions to our community.
He spent years doing the backbreaking work that made so many kids and local performers feel proud to be on stage—giving them a real sense of magic and dignity.
But Glenn’s talents don’t stop at the edge of the stage.
He’s also a lifelong oil painter, known for richly detailed landscapes, portraits, and a growing body of work that reflects both technical mastery and emotional depth. His studio has always been a sacred space—one he still returns to, even now, painting daily when he can, despite the toll of cancer treatment.
Glenn has lived big—he’s a mountain climber, a father, a builder, a mentor, and a fiercely creative soul. And through it all, Rachel has been his anchor—caring for him, managing the logistics, and holding everything together as they face the hardest chapter of their lives.
What We’re Asking For:
We’re trying to raise $24,000 to help with:
Rent in Houston near MD Anderson
Flights and travel expenses
Medical and caregiving costs not covered by insurance
Living expenses while Glenn can no longer work
Every bit helps. Even $10 matters. And if you can’t donate, please share this campaign with others who know and love Glenn and Rachel.
Let’s help them hold on to hope—and stay close to the care he needs. They would never ask for help—but I am.
With gratitude,
Nancy
