My name is Christen and Mike and Sara Deem are my best friends. Mike is facing the fight of his life. Just days before Christmas last year, what he thought was a kidney stone turned into a devastating diagnosis—non-clear cell renal carcinoma, an aggressive cancer that has now spread to his liver, lungs, and spine.

Mike underwent surgery in February to remove a kidney and affected tissue, but his battle is far from over. Treatments, medical expenses, and the toll of lost wages are weighing heavily on Mike, his wife Sara, and their four children (ages 22, 21, 15, and 12).

If you know Mike, you know he has always been someone who shows up for others. He retired from the United States Army as a Major four short years ago, and has continued to serve his community—substituting for Killeen schools, riding with the American Legion Riders Post 573, and helping raise funds for causes like Santa’s Workshop at Fort Hood. He has been a leader, a mentor, and a friend to so many.

Mike and Sara are high school sweethearts—the kind of couple who are truly each other’s person. They were there for me during my own darkest days, when I lost my husband to cancer. Now it’s my turn, and our turn as a community, to be there for them.

This fundraiser will help ease the burden of medical bills, lost wages, travel expenses to go to Houston for treatment, and many other unforeseen expenses that come with a battle of this magnitude. Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward supporting Mike and his family during this incredibly difficult time.

Please, if you can, give what you’re able—and keep Mike, Sara, and their children in your thoughts and prayers.