Help Chris's Family Through Brain Cancer Battle

Help Support Chris (Chud), Emily, and their family as they face one of all of our deepest fears.

Last week, my brother-in-law Chris—better known as Chud—collapsed at work. When he came to, he couldn’t move the left side of his body. My sister, Emily, rushed him to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a mass in his brain. Soon after, we got the devastating news: stage four glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is an incurable, cancerous tumor. Stage four means that it has spread.

If you are familiar with brain cancer, you may know how aggressive and unforgiving it is. Doctors have given Chris 3 to 6 months, maybe a little longer if he opts for chemo and radiation.

He’s already undergone major brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible in an effort to prolong his life a little. Now, he’s facing a long stay in a rehab clinic in Spokane—three hours from home—trying to regain some mobility and independence in the time he has left.

This has completely upended their lives. Our entire family and everyone who knows him feels this deeply. Of all the people, Chris is always the kindest, the most forgiving, has the easiest (and loudest) laugh. He always helps without a question, loves without reserve, and expects nothing in return. He was just about to finish his PhD.

Chris is a devoted husband and father to four amazing kids, ages 8 to 14. Emily has been a stay-at-home mom for most of their marriage, occasionally working part-time. Now, she’s doing everything—managing the household, comforting their children, driving back and forth to the hospital, and trying to figure out how to keep their family afloat financially—while also grieving the future they had imagined together.

Their medical bills are stacking up fast. On top of that, there’s the cost of travel, child care, meals on-the-go, and preparing for what’s ahead. It’s overwhelming.

We love Chris, just as everyone who knows him does. So many have asked how they can help. We know he has friends and family all over. When it all comes down to it, sending money - any amount really - sends a message of love and concern. Anything you send represents a little relief for their substantial financial burden so Emily and the kids can focus on spending precious time with Chris. If you can’t give, we understand. Please share this page with others who might be able to. They read all the messages and take comfort in your love.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. The love, visits, and kind words you’ve already shared have meant the world to Chris and Emily (and all of us). There was literally a line of people waiting to see him in the hospital.

May we all live in such a way that this would be done for us as well.

Your support during this heartbreaking time means more than words can express.