Help Us Beat This Cancer
HI my name is Kelly Smiley and I am fundraising for Chris & Lynn Chesmore.
Chris and Lynn Chesmore’s story is one that showcases the power of destiny. They first met in high school on Bitburg Air Force Base, as both their parents served in the United States Air Force. Becoming close friends in high school, they lost touch after Lynn’s father was transferred back to the US. Many years later, fate brought them together once again. Chris and Lynn reconnected during a time of grief when Chris’s wife and Lynn’s friend, Suzanne, passed away of heart failure. They realized immediately they were true soulmates, and have not left each other’s side since. They were married in April 2017, and truly enjoy every moment together. Chris then went on the road full time as a truck driver, and when he is home, they spend much time exploring nature and living in the moment.
On December 21st, 2020 the family's world was turned upside down when they received the news that Chris was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. Lynn became filled with fear of the unknown as her and Chris’s life now consisted of doctor appointments, disability paperwork, medical bills, and her becoming a caregiver to Chris while continuing to work full-time. The person who took it best was Chris. His motivation to see this as what he would call a “speed bump,” rather than letting this become a life changing prognosis, has inspired the family to never give up hope. Chris's spiritual beliefs and faith in God are the cornerstone for his focus and gratitude towards his healing journey. Chris and Lynn are living their lives one day at a time, and would like anything to give them the gift of more time.
After the diagnosis, Chris was determined to continue working to support his family. He always dreamed of letting his wife, Lynn retire while he continued on the road to support her. Twelve days after the news, Chris passed out on the ground during a routine route to Arizona. He was taken to the hospital where they found blood clots in both lungs and legs; a result of pancreatic cancer thickening his blood. The doctors explained to him that he no longer would be able to work while he goes through chemotherapy. This news only motivated Chris to make a full recovery, so he could fulfill his dream of providing for his love.
Chris’s motivation to recover has opened him up to all possibilities that can help him heal. Alternative therapies have sparked his interest, which work on the person as a whole (mind, body and spirit), rather than just treating the condition. These alternatives consist of cancer fighting diet and lifestyle change, acupuncture, energy healing, meditation retreats and Ayurvedic medicine. Chris’s interest in holistic healing has given him grand hope that he will get to the root of the cause and heal on a deeper level. Chris has also been given the opportunity to attend experimental clinical trials at M.D. Anderson Oncology Research Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Though Chris is motivated to recover, the stress of living on a single income, medical bills, costs for alternative therapies, clinical trials which will include traveling expenses and lodging has created a strain in their home. This GoFund Me is to support Chris and Lynn financially during a trying time, so they may have the means to attend clinical trials, explore alternative therapies, hire a health coach and cook to assist him in diet and lifestyle change and giving these lovebirds time to connect on a deeper spiritual level by sending both Chris and Lynn on a
Meditation Retreat.