Pancreatic Cancer Halts Retirement Dreams

Larry Christopher helped "keep the lights on" in states all across the country. In December of 2021, he retired from his career as a Journeyman Lineman after 33 years in the trade. Starting in Ohio, Larry spent many years traveling as a Lineman in Outside Line Construction which took him through many states. Then he switched to working as a Lineman for three utility companies in California; first San Diego Gas & Electric, second Southern California Edison, and finally Redding Electric Utility. You can thank Larry for his part in keeping our electricity flowing.

After retiring, Larry and Debbie, his wife of 23 years, dreamed of living the simple life in Alaska. In April of 2022, they bought 3 acres of land with a small cabin, relocated to Ninilchik, AK and started improving their little log-home cabin. It had no electric or sewer, so they were roughing it as they began the remodel.

Three months later, in July, Larry began to unexpectedly experience some serious health problems that quickly deteriorated his health so their lifelong dreams and home project came to a halt.

After several invasive tests, they were getting no clear answers on Larry's health decline and figuring out a path to recovery became a huge challenge. The diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer was unwelcome news. Debbie began reading, researching and learning as much as possible about Larry's type of cancer and the best way to tackle it. In an effort to keep Larry as healthy as possible, they have implemented a cancer healthy diet, natural supplements, and a trip to Mexico to a cancer center. None of this is covered by insurance and they have quickly depleted the savings that was set aside to remodel and build their cabin home. In critical condition, Larry has been hospitalized 8 times, endured many tests, surgery to remove his gallbladder, infections, had stints placed, etc.

He honestly should not still be with us, but Larry is Lineman tough and God is not done with him yet here on earth.

Because of their Alaska location, getting the medical care Larry needs means he and Debbie have to travel a lot which is another large medical expense not covered by insurance. There have been flights to Seattle, WA for a hospital stay, surgery in Anchorage, AK and the chemo treatments to shrink his tumor will be in Soldotna, AK. When the Whipple procedure was recommended to remove his pancreatic tumor, he was cut open only for the doctors to find the tumor was wrapped around his portal vein, so chemo treatments will start in hopes to shrink the tumor enough to operate on it.

As friends and part of the Lineman brotherhood, we are asking for financial help for Larry and Debbie. Larry has always been a great provider for his family so this unexpected situation has been very difficult. The plan was to work on the cabin themselves, but right now it is out of the question for Larry & Debbie to complete the work on their home. The cabin currently has a water line, indoor plumbing, and electricity, but there is still a lot to be done. In addition, there are many ongoing, uncovered expenses surrounding his pancreatic cancer treatments. Please help us encourage and help Larry & Debbie focus on Larry's health. It will be difficult, but we are trusting God for a full recovery. Family, grandkids, and friends are looking forward to lots of future time with them both.

Thank you!