Hello friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,

I never imagined I would be in this position, reaching out for help. But today, my wife, Betsy, and I find ourselves in an overwhelming battle—one that we cannot fight alone.

My Cancer Journey

Before July 2024, I began experiencing health issues, starting with blood in my urine. I brushed it off, thinking it was a UTI or a cyst. But deep down, I feared the worst. My wife, Betsy, insisted I see a doctor, and after tests, my worst fears were confirmed—I had kidney cancer. The tumor in my left kidney was too large to remove immediately, so I underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy to shrink it before surgery.

In July 2024, I had my left kidney removed at UVA in Virginia. My doctors reassured me that the cancer was gone and had not spread beyond my kidney. I was relieved and eager to get back to my life.

I returned to work after a month and a half, hopeful that I could move forward. But just three months later, I started experiencing symptoms again. My heart sank as I feared the cancer had returned. After visiting my oncologist and undergoing further testing, I received devastating news—cancer had reappeared, this time in my bladder, liver, and even my 11th rib.

I was terrified. But I told myself, “I beat cancer once. I can beat it again.”

Unfortunately, this time, surgery was not an option. Instead, my doctors recommended immunotherapy to slow the spread. My wife and I sat down with my oncologist and asked the hardest question: Can I beat this? The answer shattered our world. The doctor told us I have two to three years at best—if the treatment works.

Losing My Job & Financial Hardships

A month after receiving my new diagnosis, I had to face another painful reality—I could no longer continue working. I informed my job of my condition, and while they initially seemed supportive, things quickly changed. My hours were cut, my commissions disappeared, and my paycheck dwindled to almost nothing. Customers were directed away from me because I couldn’t work full-time.

I finally had to walk away, thinking disability would be an option—but that, too, was denied. With a limited prognosis, I couldn’t afford to spend years fighting a system that wouldn’t help in time.

I have been desperately searching for part-time work, but every job opportunity seems to disappear the moment I disclose that I have cancer and will need to miss days for treatment. I want to work. I want to provide for my wife and myself. But time and again, I receive rejection emails, or I’m told they’ve “decided to move in a different direction.” It’s been heartbreaking to feel like I’m being turned away simply because of my illness.

Now, we are struggling to keep up with bills. Betsy, my wife, is a dedicated school teacher and a lifelong Girl Scout troop leader. We have always been the ones giving back to our community—volunteering, raising funds for others, and offering help whenever we could. But now, we are the ones in need.

Why We Need Your Help

The financial strain has been unbearable. Between medical bills, insurance co-pays, prescriptions, travel costs for treatment, and everyday expenses, we are barely staying afloat. Stress is the last thing I need while fighting cancer, yet every day is filled with worry—about bills, medical debt, and how we will make ends meet.

I need to go to Hope Cancer Treatment Center, where I can receive better treatment that could extend my life. While insurance covers some medical costs, travel, lodging, and other essential expenses are not covered. We’ve cut every expense we can, but it’s still not enough.

How Your Support Will Make a Difference

Your donation will help cover:

✅ Travel expenses to and from Hope Cancer Treatment Center

✅ Lodging and meals during treatments

✅ Medical co-pays and prescriptions

✅ Essential living expenses while I undergo treatment

Every contribution—big or small—means the world to us. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with others would be just as meaningful.

We never thought we would be in this position, but we are humbly asking for help. We want to focus on this fight, on spending as much time together as possible, and on finding hope in every moment we have left.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With love and gratitude,

Christian & Betsy