Cancer Sucks-Rally for the Rheaumes

This is the Rheaume Family!  Justin and Stephanie met in 2009 when he was a physical therapy patient at her place of work.  She helped treat his back pain and he treated her to their first date.  They had a beautiful wedding in September of 2012 and their son, Carson, was born in 2014.  They moved to New Braunfels, TX and built what they thought would be a home for them to grow old together.

Unfortunately, Justin was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2017 at the young age of 37.  He’s fought it bravely with support from many health professionals in both San Antonio and Houston.  For 25 months he’s been poked, prodded, tested, and has battled with multiple surgeries, several chemotherapies, pain pumps and more.  Throughout this cancer war both he and Stephanie have maintained faith and a bright outlook that they’d survive this challenge to return to the everyday enjoyment of young family life.

Sadly, recent test results confirmed that there are no more treatment options.   At this point the treatment goal will be pain control and while no one knows the future or timing, we know that each day will be precious.

Dealing with cancer is expensive, regardless of the type of health insurance.  Thousands and thousands of dollars have gone to co-pays, deductibles, uncovered medications and procedures.  On top of that, is missed work for both Justin and Stephanie along the way, although both were phenomenally dedicated to their jobs and schedules whenever possible.  Stephanie has spent days and days working out of hospital rooms and doctors offices.  She has juggled conference and work calls while still being available for physician rounds.   Justin would have chemo one day and be back at work the next.  He knew he would feel weak and sick, but he fought through it to be able to provide for his family.  Because his pain has worsened, Justin is no longer able to work and Stephanie is out of any paid time off from her company. 

As part of their caring circle, we want to provide the Rheaume family a cushion to help them through this difficult time.    The hope is to allow them to focus on cherishing each day as husband, wife, father, son and family.  This time should be as positive as possible rather than fretting about monthly bills and financial stressors.    We want to encourage them to take any time and opportunity possible while they still can to make new family memories, especially for Carson. 


If Justin or the family has touched your life, and if you’d like to help, we ask for the following:

• Pray!  Please keep the Rheaume family and relatives in your prayers.  This time is difficult and they need to know others have them in their prayers.

• Keep in touch!  It’s not always easy for Justin or Stephanie to be available for a phone call, but they appreciate them!  Keep the love coming with emails or texts as well.  Everyone appreciates an upbeat meme or something to make them laugh when things are pretty dim…

• Give!  Our goal to help the family is $25,000.  This will help pay for living expenses and allow Justin and Stephanie to focus on what’s most important right now.

• Share! We know not everyone has the financial means to give as much as they would like to.  You can help by sharing their story and telling your friends how special The Rheaume family is to you.