Hi,

My name is Sonia Cavolo (many of you know me as Sonia Lee), and I am reaching out because my husband, Chris, is facing a recurrence of head and neck cancer. Four tumors were found in his neck, classified as Stage 4. His first battle with cancer in 2021 was incredibly difficult, and this new diagnosis has been unexpected and overwhelming for our family.

We never imagined asking for financial help, as we have always worked hard to be self-supporting. Chris has been out of work since September of 2025, and we have exhausted our resources since my income alone cannot support our family. After many caring friends urged us to allow others to help, we created this GoFundMe. No amount is too small. However, if you cannot donate, we sincerely appreciate your healing prayers.

Your support will help us pay for essential living expenses and significant medical costs during Chris's treatment. This relief will allow us to focus our energy on his recovery. We trust God and His medical team at Vanderbilt Cancer Center, and we pray that by March of 2026, when the treatment ends, Chris will begin to regain his strength.

INTRODUCTION

Not being able to care for his family, including me, our sons CJ (18) and Alex (16), and our two furry babies, Milo and Winnie, has always been Chris's greatest fear. For the 25 years we have been married, Chris has been the hardest working man that I know. He has often worked multiple jobs to provide stability and to care for us. As I write this, he is currently unemployed, and this alone has created a tremendous strain.

RECENT NEWS AND TREATMENT PLAN

Earlier in November of 2025, after weeks of severe jaw and head pain, we learned that the cancer had returned. Here is what we currently know:

• There are four malignant tumors that were found on the left side of Chris's neck

• The tumors have been classified as Stage 4

• They have not spread elsewhere, and are not in the throat

• The tumors are too deep for safe surgical removal

• Full evaluation completed at Vanderbilt Cancer Center

Chris's treatment plan:

• Chris will undergo seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, five days a week, beginning December 15, 2025

• A feeding tube may be necessary due to significant scar tissue

• Doctors say the prognosis is good and the cancer is treatable

• Chris will not be able to work again until several weeks after his treatment ends, likely sometime in March of 2026

We also sought a second opinion in Charleston, which confirmed that this treatment plan is the correct approach. Through all of this, Chris remains hopeful and grounded in faith. He believes fully that God will carry him through this, and that he will one day return to work and support his family again.

BACKSTORY

Our hardships began in 2020, when we opened a new gym franchise just as the pandemic hit. The fitness industry suffered dramatically, and our new business never had a chance to grow. Construction and material costs nearly doubled, and despite Chris's dedication, we faced a major financial loss by the end of 2023.

In May of 2021, only weeks before the gym opened, Chris was diagnosed with Stage 3 lymphoma and throat cancer. He needed a 90 day medical leave while trying to lead a new business, which added tremendous difficulty.

He endured two major surgeries and four emergency arterial bleed-outs, one of which nearly took his life. His recovery was long and painful. Complications with his throat, esophagus, and heart led to multiple additional procedures over the next year.

During this time, the business never produced income, and nearly five years passed without steady pay. We used our savings and our sons' college tuition fund to keep them in the private school where they have continued to thrive. Eventually, Chris found a new job, but after eight months, he was laid off due to company-wide cutbacks in September of 2025. He continues to search and interview daily, but has not received an offer.

HOW YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP OUR FAMILY

Your generosity will help us cover:

• $10,000 remaining from previous cancer treatment

• At least $43,000 in out-of-pocket costs for upcoming treatment at Vanderbilt

• Monthly mortgage of $4,300

• Roughly $3,500 each month in essential expenses including utilities, insurance, groceries, gas, and medical needs

I will continue working full time between my hair salon, the dog and cat grooming business that I started, and additional pet sitting and event work with our boys. We are doing everything we can, and now humbly ask for help because we cannot get through this time alone.

IN SUMMARY

• Chris is beginning treatment for four malignant tumors in his neck

• The cancer is advanced at Stage 4, but it is treatable with radiation and chemotherapy

• He has been unable to work since September of 2025

• Out-of-pocket medical costs exceed $43,000

• Family has exhausted savings after years of medical and financial hardship

• Donations will help cover the mortgage, bills, and treatment costs

• Prayer support is deeply appreciated

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness brings us one step closer to stability and healing during this difficult season. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and your prayers. Please continue to keep Chris in your thoughts.

With love,

Sonia