My brother Jim Abbott is only 46 years old, a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose strength and faith continue to inspire everyone around him.

He’s a proud dad to three young adult children — Jonathon, Vincent, and Angelina — and a devoted husband to Reina, who has four adult children of her own. Together, they share a beautiful blended family and a precious granddaughter who brings them joy through these difficult times.

Jim was working full-time as a manager of a collision shop through his stage 4 battle, until just recently when he had to go on disability due to his health rapidly declining.

His journey began in 2021, when he was in and out of the ER with severe pain and unexplained health issues. After months of pancreatitis and repeated hospital visits, his medical team struggled to get clear imaging because of intense inflammation. Finally, they discovered a mass—he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, a very rare type of cancer that makes up only 2% of pancreatic cancers.

In January 2022, he underwent major surgery—a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy—to remove the tumor. Afterward, we were grateful to hear there was no evidence of disease.

That changed on February 14, 2023, when he ended up back in the ER with severe abdominal pain. A few weeks later, in March, scans revealed enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The cancer had returned—and it had spread.

By September 2023, he was officially diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic neuroendocrine cancer. He began chemotherapy in December and, in May 2024, entered a clinical trial that included several rounds of radiation. He traveled back and forth to Ohio for second opinions and ongoing care— along with receiving care in Chicago, all while continuing to work full-time.

Despite worsening pain and increasing physical challenges, my brother still went to work every day, leading with integrity, and kept his faith at the center of it all. Many of his employees were unaware he even had cancer because he did not want that to be their focus. His pain has become so severe that he now receives palliative care and has had significant weight loss which has made it impossible to work.  

Through it all, his wife Reina has been his rock. She recently helped set him up with an integrative cancer treatment center to work alongside his standard medical care. After extensive bloodwork and testing, the integrative doctors recommended a regimen of IV infusions and other holistic therapies aimed at strengthening his immune system, improving energy, and reducing side effects from treatment. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover these therapies, even though they could make a meaningful difference in his comfort and quality of life.

My brother means the world to me. He’s one of the most selfless and resilient people I’ve ever known. Even while fighting cancer, he continues to encourage everyone around him to lean on faith. He’s helped me grow closer to God, and even bought my daughter’s children’s Bibles, which he takes the time to read to them. They absolutely adore their Uncle Jimmy — he spends so much time with my family, showing love, humor, and kindness no matter how hard things get.

As someone who has personally seen the benefits of holistic care — remaining stable with multiple sclerosis for over six years through diet and natural approaches — I know how powerful these therapies can be in supporting the body’s healing. I want my brother to have that same chance.

Our family has already endured deep loss — we lost our older brother when we were children and our dad in our early adult years. Jim’s battle has brought back many emotions, but it’s also brought our family closer and reminded us to cherish every single day together.

Our goal is to give Jim the best possible chance at healing by making integrative treatments within reach — At the same time, these funds will help relieve the day-to-day financial pressures that come with being on a reduced disability income.

Your support — whether through a donation, share, or prayer — means more than words can express. Every bit of help lightens his burden and gives him what matters most: hope, comfort, and time with the people he loves.

Thank you for standing with Jim in this fight. ❤️