#BiggDawgStrong for Chad McAllister

For those of you who know Chad McAllister, know he has been a silent hero in more ways than one. Over the past two years, he has been concentrating on one little girl, who was battling for her life and health. You also know that he bleeds Black and Orange and you could often find him on school grounds volunteering with the local booster club, at fundraisers, dance recitals, sitting at a football, basketball or a baseball game, cheering on, not only his children, nephews and nieces but also anyone else involved with the community and Fennville Public Schools. Those of you who know Chad, knows that he puts others first and himself last.

Chad's main concentration over the past two years has been on his daughter Madison. She was born with Congenital Kidney Dysplasia, which was unknown for the first 12 years of her life. After one night of what was thought  to be the flu, Madison was having trouble breathing and was rushed to the ER, which turned into an immediate trip to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital to the critical care team in the ICU. This was unimaginable, blindsiding and terrifying. But, against all odds, Madison returned to DeVos three times a week for six hours of dialysis over the next six months until she was able to receive a kidney transplant which was donated by her Aunt. Madison's journey is not over. She continues to have appointments and follow ups at Helen DeVos, monitoring her heart and kidneys. She will most likely have to have another surgery at some point in her adult life. She is the definition of a role model. Her father, mother, step parents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, cousins and friends, community members have all learned so much from Madison Rose McAllister.

Last month, Chad was diagnosed with Stage III Adenocarcinoma of the Rectum. Between working 3rd shift at Johnson Controls and concentrating on the health and wellness of Madison, by the time he realized he wasn't getting over his stomach issues, he was diagnosed with stage III cancer. His employment has been paused due to not feeling well, and the subsequent cancer diagnosis, since mid December and he will be off work until at least August of 2019, receiving 60% of his normal pay. Since being diagnosed, he started the path to recovery with his first Chemotherapy treatment on January 8th, 2019. Chad will receive Chemotherapy every other Tuesday. He is also receiving at home treatment from Tuesday-Thursday, bi-weekly with a portable pack disbursing chemotherapy treatment as well.  This is Chad's fight for the next 4 months. His next journey will be Radiation treatment.

Due to the mounting medical bills over the last two years and being off of work for the next 8 months, funds have been tight. Any amount of donation would greatly help this wonderful family who has recently been through so much! Chad is supported by his wife, Amy, his children  Brandon, Matthew and Madison. His mother, father, step father, step children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends and so many other people. If you could please find it in your heart to donate to such a wonderful man to ensure that he can continue this path for the fight of his life. Thank you for your kindness... #BiggDawgStrong #KickCancersAss