Help Charles and Cole Through a Heartbreaking Journey

Charles is my brother-in-law, a quiet, humble man with a gentle soul and a heart full of love. He’s the oldest of three brothers (Jason and Aaron), and the beloved son of Gail. He’s also a devoted father to his only son, Cole. If you know Charles, you know he’s never been one to ask for help. He’s spent his life working hard as an electrician, finding joy in the simple things like music, nature, and antiquing. He’s always been someone who gives quietly, never expecting anything in return.

But now, Charles is facing something no one should have to go through alone.

In November 2024, at just 56 years old, Charles received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. Everything changed in an instant. Since then, the cancer has spread and his condition has worsened. Recent scans found a tumor on his skull. He’s currently undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation, and while he's fighting bravely, the emotional and physical toll has been unimaginable.

What’s been just as hard as the diagnosis itself is watching Charles, someone so self-reliant and proud, struggle with needing help. He worries about being a burden. But to those of us who love him, he’s never been a burden. He’s a person who deeply deserves compassion, dignity, and peace.

His 27-year-old son, Cole, has been his rock through it all.

The Monday before Thanksgiving, Charles told Cole he needed to go to the ER. If Charles was going to the doctor, we knew something was wrong. Cole, who lives in Boston, dropped everything that night, drove straight to Cortland, NY and has been by his father’s side ever since. Cole put his career on hold, moved home, and became Charles’s full-time caregiver. He now handles every part of his dad’s daily care, from meals and mobility to medications and emotional support. It’s a full-time job, done purely out of love.

The financial weight is becoming too much to carry. Medical costs, food, rent, utilities, and essential supplies are piling up. Just one ambulance ride costs nearly $2,000. Before Charles could even come home from his latest hospital stay, they needed a wheelchair ramp, which cost $1,300 to rent for just two months. Realizing the need was long-term, Cole purchased a permanent ramp for $5,000. He didn’t hesitate, but the bills haven’t stopped coming.

This GoFundMe was created to ease some of that pressure to allow Charles and Cole to focus on what truly matters: spending meaningful time together and making Charles as comfortable as possible at home.

Your donation, no matter the amount, will help cover housing, medical equipment, food, and basic living expenses. If you’re unable to give right now, simply sharing this page can make a world of difference.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with Charles and Cole in this incredibly difficult time. They’re not alone, and with your help, they’ll continue to feel the love and support of a caring community.