Chris Lipa

Chris Lipa has always been the first person ready to help others. Now HE NEEDS YOUR HELP. He has worked deligently in the Hospitality Industry for 30 years. He has a step-daughter, two grandchildren ages 10 & 13, a mom with Parkinson's Disease, a father and his friend, and an ex-wife who love him deeply. Three fuzz-babies at home (Dylan, a 10 year old Rhodesian mix, Scoobert, a 5 year old boxer, and JB, a 4 year old mix of Chocolate lab and chihuahua) are the pride of his life. They were all rescues. Chris was always the first one to help someone in need or to stand up for the underdog. When his mother, who suffers from dementia and Parkinson's disease was no longer to live alone he moved her into his home and took care of her. While a member of Ocala First Assembly of God Chris was a member of the men's missions group that traveled to Russia to build a church. He currently attends Meadowbrook Church and has volunteered for several non-profit organizations over the past 15 years.
Two months ago Chris began having severe pain in his pancreas and abdominal area. With no insurance he did not want to go to the Emergency room and request services that he had no way of paying for. So he waited hoping that the pain would subside. After six days of Chris attempting to sleep sitting up because the pain and swelling was so severe he gave in and went to the hospital. within hours he had been examined, had an ultrasound and CT scan and was informed that he had testicular cancer. At age 49 his life changed forever. He underwent emergency surgery the next day. Two days later, sitting in Dr. Patrick Acevedo's office Chris was given the news that although they removed the largest masses the cancer had spread to his kidney and chest cavity. This would require radical chemotherapy and he would be under the care of the oncologist for five years and unable to work for the next year as he underwent treatment. Fortunately, this type of cancer responds well to treatment. But treatment is expensive. Chris applied for SSDI and Medicaid but it takes months for a decision. The family continues to apply for assistance from cancer treatment foundations but with such a high demand their funds are very limited.
In the meantime he was advised that each day of chemotherapy, by itself, would cost $630 and he would require a total of 40 treatments. Each cycle is 21 days. Monday - Friday for 5 - 7 hours a day Chris will have to sit in a chair having various drugs administered to his body. Two solid weeks of chemo and one week off to recuperate. Then begin again. Four Cycles, $25,200 for the drugs alone. This does not include hospital bills and prescription medication, gas to get to and from the Oncology Institute and living expenses. Not to mention the care of his beloved fuzz-babies.
In faith, Chris began the first cycle of chemotherapy on December 4th, 2017. He refuses to take narcotics and has a prescription for Torodol that he cannot even fill.
With his usual since of humor he begins his journey. He knows he is not alone.
To elevate some of the stress Chris and his family and friends request that you come together and prayerfully consider donating.
Chris and the love of his life, LabaWawa Jelly Bean Lipa

Chris and his Uncle Joe Senay treated the staff at Brooksdale Assisted Living Facility to a delicious BBQ dinner. Thank you Brooksdale for all that you do to care for Chris's Mom.


Chris with his princess, 10 year old granddaughter Arielle McIntosh.
Chris with his Mom, Florence Lipa. I love you mommy!

Half-time = Naptime for Chris and JB. 

 Enjoying a concert with friends, Granddaughter Arielle McIntosh and Denise Harrell. at Daytona Beach Despite being diagnosed with testicular cancer that spread to the kidney and chest cavity our family is thankful to be together. 2017 Thanksgiving Celebration with father James Lipa and Philip Meglio (and Bella), daughter Jamie Barnes and granddaughter Arielle McIntosh.