If you’ve crossed paths with Cole Meckle, chances are your life is better because of it.

For years, Cole has lived out the calling he so often encouraged in others: to love people well. Through Gather—and through countless everyday moments—he has poured into our church and community in ways that can’t be measured. Many of us are who we are today because Cole took the time to encourage us, challenge us, pray with us, and walk alongside us.

Now, it’s our turn to do the same for him.

On May 31st, Cole received the unexpected news that he has aggressive, incurable cancer. Since then, his health has declined with heartbreaking speed.

If this is how you are learning of Cole’s diagnosis, we are truly sorry. Cole would have wanted to share this news personally with each of you. But the progression of his illness, combined with the sheer number of lives he has touched, has made that impossible. Thank you for receiving this news with grace and compassion.

This season has been incredibly heavy for Kat, their boys, and their entire family. One of the greatest gifts we can give them right now is the space to be together. Please continue to surround them with your prayers and love, while also honoring their need for privacy. Rather than reaching out individually, we encourage you to check this page for updates as they are shared, allowing the family to focus their time and energy where it is needed most—with one another.

The funds raised through this campaign will help support Kat and their boys with medical expenses, travel, end-of-life care, funeral costs, and other unforeseen needs in the days ahead. Our hope is to ease the financial burden so they can spend their time where it matters most—together.

At Gather, we often say: do what you can with what you have. This is one of those moments. Whether you give financially, share this fundraiser, or faithfully pray for Cole, Kat, and their boys, every act of generosity is an expression of love.

We can never repay all that Cole has given. But together, we can carry some of the weight for the people he loves most.

Thank you for loving Cole, Kat, their boys, and their family so well.

-Organized on behalf of Cole and Kat Meckle by Lily Lo (Gather board of elders and volunteer physician at MedsFirst Clinic), Holly Renner (Gather administrative assistant and director of Gather & Grow), Patty Howard (Gather Pastor)