Early Christmas morning, our dear friend Chris passed away peacefully, surrounded by the people he loved most, his wife Sondra, and their children Ben and Katria, all at his side.

Chris was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in August of 2023, a diagnosis that instantly reshaped life for their family. Over the last two-plus years, Chris and Sondra navigated an exhausting reality of doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy treatments, and work, all while raising their children and trying to hold onto normalcy.

What stands out most about Chris and Sondra, though, is not the hardship they faced, but how they chose to live in the face of it.

They loved each other deeply. They loved music and going to concerts. They were die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans. And instead of retreating from life, they leaned into it, showing everyone around them what it truly means to live every moment to the fullest.

They supported Katrina’s love of dance and Ben’s passion for music. They spent time with friends, went to concerts, pumpkin patches, and dance recitals. They showed up to protests, believing in leaving this world better for their children. Even when the road was unimaginably hard, they kept choosing joy, connection, and purpose.

Throughout all of this, Sondra continued to give, showing up to work each day and pouring her endless compassion, kindness, and care into her students and coworkers, even while carrying so much quietly in her own heart.

Now, Sondra is facing a new and painful chapter of life, one without her partner, her teammate, and her greatest love. Along with profound grief, she is also facing overwhelming medical bills and financial strain from the long journey of treatment and care.

This is the moment for us to give back.

If you are able, please consider donating to help ease the financial burden on Sondra and her family during this incredibly difficult time. Your support, whether financial or simply by sharing this page, will help surround her with the same compassion, kindness, and support that she has so freely given to others for so many years.

Thank you for honoring Chris’s life, Sondra’s strength, and the love that defines this family.