Please join me in rallying around my dear brother-in-law, Chris Brotherston, who is in the fight for not only his eye sight, but also his life, from a rare cancer called uveal melanoma. Chris is the beloved husband of my sister Carla, a grandfather, son, brother, friend, animal lover, man of faith, and all around good natured, happy, funny, lovable guy to all who know him!

This has been a tough year since Chris was diagnosed with uveal melanoma. At the time, it didn't seem that scary at all. We thought that with medication and radiation, he'd be good as new. Since then, what we have learned is while it may not be widely known, this cancer is anything but insignificant. For someone like Chris, who has the high risk genetic markers, it's considered terminal. He has undergone drug treatment as part of a clinical trial, very delicate surgeries to the eye, and radiation. He has lost sight in one eye. Of course, we continue to trust God with Chris's life and future, but we also know that we have to prepare ourselves for what may come.

Chris and his loved ones try to stay positive, and are so grateful for health insurance and the clinical trial he was fortunate to be included in. But the costs, financial, emotional, and otherwise, have been far greater than imagined. The drug trial, which helped cover some of the costs, is ending next month. Short term disability only pays a portion of his salary working as a manager at a non-profit organization, New Hope Ministries, that helps others in need. There are numerous out of pocket costs as anyone who has undergone a lengthy, chronic, and terminal illness is aware.

With humility and gratitude, I am reaching out to all with a heart of compassion to support Chris during what may be the most vulnerable and precious time of his life. A financial offering to Chris would make an enormous difference to him and his family. It would allow them to ease some of the daily burdens and focus on what really matters: time together, peace of mind, and quality of life for Chris. Thank you for reading our story and for your consideration.