At 43 years old, Stefanie was told she had stage IV pancreatic cancer.

A large tumor on her pancreas.

Cancer had already spread to her liver.

Three children at home, just 13, 9, and 7 years old.

“I remember thinking… this is it. This is how I go out. I’m too young to die.”

That was more than three years ago.

Remarkably, she is still here. Still fighting.

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Before cancer, life looked like what most families would call normal.

Matt worked long hours building a reputation as a highly skilled finish carpenter, the kind of craftsman trusted on some of the most detailed, high-end homes.

Stefanie stayed home raising their kids, getting them to school, appointments, practices, and everything in between.

She was the one holding it all together.

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Then everything changed overnight.

Chemo schedules replaced routines.

Hospital visits replaced normal life.

And their kids, instead of growing up in one home, began splitting time between houses just so Stefanie could endure treatment.

Not because of anything broken.

Because cancer made normal life impossible.

Stefanie’s parents stepped in without hesitation, helping raise their grandchildren day to day so Stefanie could fight.

They’ve carried more than most people ever see.

And in the middle of it all… the unthinkable happened.

Her dad, who had been right there alongside her through treatments, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer too.

Thankfully, his was caught early. He was able to undergo surgery and is now on the road to recovery.

The same disease. Two different paths.

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This is what the last three years have actually looked like:

Coming home from chemo and seeing Stefanie so pale she looked like a ghost.

Days where exhaustion takes everything, and even getting through the day feels impossible.

Moments where the question isn’t just “what’s next?” but “what’s going to work… and what if it doesn’t?”

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And behind all of that are decisions no family should ever have to make:

• How do you put a price on giving your wife every possible chance to keep fighting?

• Do you stay home and care for her, or go to work so you can keep providing?

• Watching your kids live between homes, not because of separation, but because cancer has taken over your daily life

• A daughter choosing to give up time with friends just to be with her mom while she can

• Wondering how long you can carry the weight of ongoing medical costs

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Matt is self-employed, and that means if he’s not working, there is no income.

At the same time, every year brings new deductibles, new out-of-pocket costs, and a growing stack of medical bills that never fully goes away.

As Matt described it, it feels like:

“a balance that never really gets paid off… just something you take stabs at when you can.”

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And still, Stefanie keeps fighting.

She is still showing up as a mom in every way she can.

Still pouring into her kids.

Still holding onto moments that feel normal when they come.

There are days, surprisingly, that almost feel like life before all of this.

And those days mean everything.

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Through all of it, their faith in Jesus has been an anchor.

From the very first night, lying awake and praying for more time,

to the hundreds of prayers that have followed.

“I pray every day for more time. I don’t want to leave my kids.”

They believe the prayers of others have helped carry Stefanie this far.

And they continue to trust God for each day ahead.

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This family has carried this quietly for a long time.

But the reality is, after more than three years of fighting, the weight is heavy.

This fundraiser is not about one moment.

It’s about helping relieve the ongoing burden of:

• Medical deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

• Ongoing treatments, scans, and medications

• Travel related to care and new treatment options

• Lost income due to time away from work

• Creating stability for a family doing everything they can to stay together through this

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If you are able to give, any amount truly helps.

If you’re not able to give, sharing this story can make a real difference.

And if you pray, they would deeply appreciate your prayers for strength, peace, and continued healing… and for a miracle.

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Stefanie is still here.

Still fighting.

Still showing up.

Still believing for more time.

And this family is doing everything they can to keep moving forward. Together.