Main fundraiser photo

Chris Schaller Family Fund

Donation protected
October 10, 2018

Our good friend Chris Schaller has been battling terminal cancer valiantly for several years, living well beyond the expectations of the medical community.  Chris has shown amazing spirit and faith through it all, but the battle has taken a toll on him and his family in so many ways.  I am writing today to give an update on Chris and his family, and to ask for your help.

Chris’s cancer started in his lip, moved to his neck, and today is in his lungs and bones.  He has tried many different treatments and currently is holding fairly steady with the aid of an immunotherapy regime.   His prognosis remains terminal, but with Chris’ spirit, many prayers, and continued medical advancement, the outlook could change.  Without giving up hope, Chris and Diane must plan for a future without him.

One of the harsh realities of getting cancer is the severe financial impact it wreaks on a family.  Chris has been a successful businessman who always shared his resources generously. Unfortunately, Chris’ business was the first casualty of his disease.  Without Chris’ time and talent available due to his treatments, business operations suffered and the bank shut it down, enforcing personal loan guaranties against Chris.  The series of events that followed pushed Chris into personal bankruptcy, wiping out all his family’s savings.  Recently Chris’ business bank foreclosed on his home, and the Schallers must now relocate by November 4th.  Chris is now without financial resources, without ability to borrow, and without ability to earn a living; the dire situation notwithstanding, Chris remains positive.

I’ve spoken with a few of you about the Schaller’s short and long term financial needs, and have answered a few questions worth sharing with all.  Some have asked about family resources and/or insurance available to help. Without going in to great detail, there are very limited financial resources available today or expected in the future from either Chris’s or Diane’s family.  On the matter of potential life insurance cash value or proceeds, the answer is complicated. There is a policy, but it was used as collateral against a loan and therefore has been attached by the bank. The bankruptcy trustee allowed the bank’s claim to stand, so there will be no proceeds remaining for the Schaller family unless this ruling is changed which is unlikely.

Through all of this, Chris has been reluctant to ask for help, striving to find a way forward on his own. Unfortunately, Chris is now without many options and he needs the help of his friends. Many people have expressed interest in raising money for the Schallers to help with medical and living expenses, so we are launching a campaign to do just that.  All money raised through this GoFundMe campaign will be deposited in the Chris Schaller Family Irrevocable Trust account and used solely for the benefit of the Schallers.  The purpose of the trust is to protect donated funds from the bankruptcy trustee. After all bankruptcy matters are resolved, the funds can be distributed directly to the family.  In the meantime, the trust will pay rent, health insurance, medical expenses, and living expenses on the Schaller’s behalf.

The Schaller’s needs are significant and ongoing. Importantly, there is an urgent need to raise funds for the Schallers due to their requirement to move out of their home by November 4th.   

We have all watched Chris over the years be the guy who reaches out to everyone, gets people together, and works for the greater good.  If he were the healthy one right now, he’d be leading the charge to help.  Let’s do what we can now for Chris and his family in their time of need and transition.  And let's all keep the Schallers in our prayers.
Donate

Donations 

  • Howard Kennedy
    • $500 
    • 5 yrs
Donate

Organizer

John Roberts
Organizer
Carlsbad, CA

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.