He’s one of the good ones…

The life of the party.  Accent impersonation extraordinaire. Hilarious. Elk River High School graduate. Handsome. Awful singer. Local 49er. Genuine. Best snuggle giver to his kids. Handy. Hard worker. Does the splits better than a gymnast. Loyal. Movie lover. Brave. Big lake resident. Faithful. Top notch equipment operator. Easy to talk to. Music lover. Kressi’s rock. Welcoming. NOT a morning person. Best Daddy ever. Give you the shirt off his back kind of guy. Cowboy boot wearin’. Patient. Black lab lovin’. Breadwinner. Best friend.  Son. Brother. Uncle. Cousin. Grandson. Husband. Daddy. Brain cancer warrior.

That’s a brief illustration of Mr. Kyle Soltis. He’s one of the good ones, one whose amazing personality could never be articulated on a black and white piece of paper.

Below you can find a brief timeline of the events that led Kyle and Kressi to present day.  While the timeline is important, it’s not nearly as important as the now.  Today, tomorrow…. The days to come.

One of Kyle and Kressi’s biggest life goals was was to build a home. Through all of the extreme up’s and downs… they were able to accomplish this in 2021. The Kyle Soltis family has a beautiful home in Big Lake, MN. Their home is truly an impressive accomplishment, a testament to their courage, bravery and strength. A home that is such a blessing to share with their children family and friends as they navigate this most difficult season.

Whether we like it or not, finances will play a huge role moving forward.  I would love to even lift a tiny bit of that burden from Kyle and Kressi. 

Money will be used for everyday expenses, hopefully a new pup to keep Kyle company…. and quite frankly anything else that may possibly improve and or maintain Kyles quality of life.

Those of you that know Kyle well know the pride he took in providing for his family. As you can imagine its incredibly hard for Kyle and Kressi to ask for help.  Please help me in continuing to remind them that we want to help in any ways possible.

There are a few things to share that are not fun, but necessary….

Kyle is no longer going to try radiation or surgery, as this will hurt more than it helps.  Understandably, quality of life is the focus. Each day is a gift.  Some days are great, others are worse; each day is a gift… as Kyle says, “it could be much worse.” 

Kyle was the majority breadwinner of his family and is no longer able to work.  Kressi does have a very understanding employer that has been a total blessing, for that they are thankful.

Kyle and Kressi would love to travel more, but with Kyles current condition even getting to doctor appointments is presenting a challenge. Spring is right around the corner and hopefully the outside air will help brighten Kyle’s spirits a bit. 

If you call or text Kyle, it will be hard for him to respond.  The best way to communicate with Kyle right now is through Kressi.  When Kressi is next to Kyle, she can help him work through words.

Please join me in lifting my friend and his family in prayer, spreading acts of kindness in honor of Kyle, playing a few extra minutes with you kids, sharing this message, continuing your friendships with the Soltis’, and giving monetarily if you are able.

 The journey to where we are today….

1988 The year Mr. Kyle Soltis entered the world.

1999. Kyle was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Biopsy taken and classified non concerning. 

Scans every 3 years would follow.

2010. Kyles final “clean” scan.

2013. Kyle married the love of his life, Kressi.  While honeymooning, Kyle suffered a grand mal seizure. Surgery in December to remove the tumor followed.  90% of the tumor was able to be removed. Kyle was diagnosed with a grade 2 Ooligodendroglioma. 

2014. January, round one of chemo.  

2018.  The year the tumor began to change again.  Round two of Chemo.

2019. More changes in the scan. Further testing at the Mayo revealed this was not Ooligodendroglioma, it was a grade 2 Astrocytoma. Proton radiation for 6 weeks, followed by round three of chemo, 6 months in length.

2021.  More changes in the scan.

2022.  Another surgery.  Now classified a grade 3 Astrocytoma. The rest of the year was spent trying many new treatments, November brought good news,  the tumor shrunk.

2023. In January a new growth close to Kyle’s brain stem was found. More symptoms are present.  Kyle has right sided weakness, difficulty with speech and can no longer work or drive.  Kyle continues to fight with an immunotherapy drug every 3 weeks, hopeful this drug will help with symptoms. There is another medication as well we would like to try, currently waiting for insurance approval. Keep praying. While no official prognosis has been given, they do know the risks and possible scenarios ahead.