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Update 1/27/2026

We are heartbroken to share that Rebekah passed away peacefully after a rapid and devastating progression of cancer. She was surrounded by love and care, and we are holding close the sacred gift of her final moments with us.

Over the past months, many of you have asked how you could help, and you responded with extraordinary generosity—financially, practically, spiritually, and emotionally. We cannot adequately express what that has meant to this family.

While treatment-related travel is no longer needed, the financial realities of grief remain: unpaid leave, funeral and memorial expenses, mental health support for the family, and ongoing household needs.

Funds given here will now help cover:

If you are able to give, thank you. If you are not, please know that your prayers, notes, meals, presence, and continued care are just as meaningful. Rebekah’s life was a testament to love, justice, and faithfulness—and this community reflects that same spirit back to her family now.

With profound gratitude,

Denise

(on behalf of Ben, the kids, and family)

Original message:

Friends and family,

We are walking through a season we never expected, and like so many others navigating serious illness, we are learning to build the plane while flying it.

Over the past several months, Rebekah has been undergoing treatment for metastatic colon cancer. There have been moments of cautious hope and moments of deep disappointment—most recently learning that disease progression outside the liver made her ineligible for a targeted liver treatment that once seemed promising. She has since restarted systemic chemotherapy under the care of her original oncology team.

Thanks to the advocacy of dear friends and physicians, Rebekah’s case has been expedited to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where she will travel in early February for a second opinion and to explore additional treatment options. We expect this may require more than one trip and extended stays near the clinic.

This is where we humbly ask for help.

Rebekah has been able to take a medical leave of absence during the most difficult parts of treatment. Ben has also taken leave in order to care for her and their children. However, both are now entering a season of unpaid leave, and the financial strain of medical travel, lodging, meals, and everyday expenses is becoming more acute.

Many have asked over the past months how they can support us financially. Rebekah’s generous heart has been hesitant to ask—but the reality is that this support would meaningfully ease the burden and allow our family to focus on care, presence, and hope rather than survival logistics.

Funds raised here will be used for:

Travel to and from the Mayo Clinic (likely multiple trips)

Lodging and meals during extended treatment visits

Lost income during unpaid medical leave

Ongoing medical-related expenses

We are deeply grateful for the ways so many of you have already shown up—through prayers, meals, childcare help, transportation, messages, and love. If you are able to give financially, thank you. If not, your continued prayers, encouragement, and care are no less cherished.

With gratitude and hope,

Denise (on behalf of Rebekah, Ben, and family)