A Tribute to a Life of Service: Paying it Forward to the Christopher Treiber Family

For more than four decades, Christopher Treiber has been a quiet force of compassion and a strong advocate in New York City — a man who devoted his entire life advocating for those who are too often overlooked. At 62, Chris is now facing a rare and aggressive form of cancer. In just a few short months, he has gone from diagnosis to hospice care. Even now, he faces this final chapter with grace, faith, and the same selflessness that has defined his life.

This GoFundMe is about honoring a legacy of service by paying that kindness forward to the people Chris loves most.

A Life Spent Serving Others

Chris started out as a volunteer intern in college, working at a recreational program for children and adults with developmental delays. That experience would change his life forever. He had found his calling. From then on, he devoted himself to advocating for the rights and well-being of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). He educated and empowered thousands of families about the laws protecting children with developmental disabilities. He also collaborated with legislators and government agencies to defend the rights of the disabled, playing a pivotal role in creating transformative policies. His steadfast leadership and relentless dedication created a profound and enduring impact across communities citywide, exemplifying a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unwavering action. His dedication and commitment to this population propelled him to his current position as Vice President of Advocacy Services for AHRCNYC.

A Family Built on the Same Values

Chris met his wife, Cathy, at St. John’s University, where she also committed her life to helping others. Together, they created a home rooted in generosity, humility, and faith. Their Thanksgiving holidays were often spent feeding the homeless, and their Christmas gifts were to charities dedicated to ending hunger worldwide.

Their daughter, Emily, the light of their lives, entered the family in 2007 and is a college sophomore — a bright, kind young woman shaped by the example of two parents who have spent their lives giving to others and who now carries on their legacy.

Why We Are Coming Together

Chris understands he is nearing the end of his earthly journey, and he faces it with deep faith and peace. But those who love him are thinking about what comes after — about Cathy and Emily, and the financial burdens they will shoulder as they navigate life without him.

Anyone who has benefited from Chris’s guidance and advocacy—whether through a training, workshop, zoom call, meeting, email, or phone call—should demonstrate their appreciation by contributing to this GoFundMe page.

This fund is a way for all of us — colleagues, families, friends, self-advocates, organizations, and anyone touched by his work — to give back to a man who has given so much.

Your contribution will help support Cathy and Emily with future expenses, easing the weight of this transition and allowing them the space to grieve, heal, and rebuild.

Paying It Forward

If Chris has taught us anything, it’s that kindness multiplies. Every act of generosity creates another.

By supporting his family, we are not only honoring Chris — we are continuing the work he spent his life doing: caring for others, lifting up the vulnerable, and choosing compassion.

Even as he faces his biggest battle, Chris thinks of others. In his farewell letter to the field he wrote,

“My journey is ending but the fight continues. Please honor my memory by continuing to do the essential work that you all do — with a renewed sense of urgency and passion. I will be cheering you on as long as I can.”

Thank you for helping us celebrate a life lived in service, for a life well lived, for a life cut way too short and for carrying Chris’s legacy forward in the most meaningful way.