My dear friend, Suzie, and her young kids need our help! Life was turned upside-down overnight when Suzie's husband, Jason, was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in early August. Before the family could even begin to process this, his health really went downhill abruptly. He fought hard for about 5 weeks, but after several setbacks and 2 rounds of chemo, his body just could not be stabilized. He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones last week. It is clear Jason touched so many lives and that he is going to be missed terribly.

Now, Suzie, Sabina and Jackson are facing a new chapter as they grapple with the passing of Jason and hold space to grieve and process what has happened. I spoke to Suzie this week and she is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all over the country.

The journey ahead is uncertain and there are so many decisions to be made, but her priority lies in keeping life as stable and supportive as possible for the kids.

Please consider giving what you can to continue to support this loving, positive family as they begin to rebuild together.

Thank you!

Katie Riley

Here is Suzie’s original message :

Help Us Keep Life as Normal as Possible for Our Family During Jason’s Cancer Fight

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

As many of you know, Jason is fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Writing those words still doesn’t feel real. Our lives have been turned upside down, and each day is a mix of hope, fear, and exhaustion as we try to navigate this journey together.

One of the hardest parts is that I don’t qualify for financial support through FMLA while on leave from my part-time OT job. That means while I’m doing everything I can to care for Jason, I’m also trying to keep life steady for our kids, Sabina (10) and Jackson (8), without the security of a paycheck. It’s overwhelming some days — the weight of managing appointments, treatments, bills, school, meals, and the endless little tasks that never stop coming.

Our biggest priority is Jason’s care, but we’re just as determined to protect our kids’ hearts through all of this. Sabina and Jackson are still so young, and it breaks us to know how confusing and scary this is for them. We want them to feel safe, to laugh, to have birthday parties and soccer games and silly moments with friends — the little things that make childhood feel normal, even while their dad is so sick.

How You Can Help:

Instead of focusing on medical bills, we’re asking for help with the everyday things that keep our family afloat:

Meals: Warm, healthy meals on the table when the days are long and I’m stretched too thin to cook.

Activities for the Kids: Letting Sabina and Jackson keep their routines, hobbies, and joy — and, if needed, having a babysitter step in when Jason is in the hospital so life feels less interrupted.

Everyday Needs: Groceries, supplies to keep Jason comfortable at home, and the small daily expenses that pile up but are so essential.

Every single donation, no matter how small, lightens the load we’re carrying. It gives me a little more space to sit with Jason, to hold his hand, to be present with our kids instead of constantly worrying about how we’ll get through the week.

I wish I didn’t have to write this. I wish we weren’t here. But the truth is, we can’t do this alone. Your kindness — whether through a donation, sharing this page, or simply sending love — gives us strength on the hardest days.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us hold on to what matters most: love, family, and time together.

With love and gratitude,

Jason, Suzie, Sabina & Jackson