Rocher Family Respite

Some of you may already know, but just a few days before Christmas last year, my talented, intelligent, and kindhearted brother, Chris Rocher, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Over the course of the next few weeks, we were given even more difficult news that the cancer has progressed to stage IV and has spread to the point that radiation and surgery are not options.

Despite all of this, Chris has decided to fight with the support of his family and wife Sue. This means 6 months of intensive chemotherapy, natural remedies, and second opinions, all of which have been steadily depleting their savings, despite both Chris and Sue continuing to work and balance caring for their 3 and a half year old, Mitchell. I am starting this campaign in hopes to help them through this stressful situation and alleviate some of the overwhelming financial burden. Many have already been incredibly generous, offering meals and delivery services to help them through the day-to-day, of which we are so grateful. This is just another avenue to provide them with assistance and every little bit helps!



Since I have known them, my brother Chris and his wife Sue have been strong, family-oriented, and extremely kind people. Nearly 13 years ago, they went out on a limb and invited me into their lives and home to help me reach my potential as a young adult. Despite not knowing I existed for a big chunk of their lives, they sacrificed a lot so that I could become a successful adult and a close part of their family.

Part of that sacrifice was putting off starting their own family. Sue and Chris have always planned to have kids, but Sue’s intense battles with endometriosis complicated things. With the constant pain and surgery, having their own children was proving difficult, both physically and financially, so they decided they absolutely wanted to adopt. However, juggling their accessibility business, helping their visually impaired and blind friends in the community, and taking on a 19 year old (me) didn’t exactly make it easy for them to make that happen. On top of all of this, they still each wanted to pursue their own education goals and finish their degrees.

Fast forward 13 years and Sue and Chris have finished their degrees, both immediately landing great jobs. Three and a half years ago, they welcomed their beautiful son, Mitchell, into their lives, finally becoming the wonderful parents they always wanted to be. And just last year, they bought their dream house in Gainesville, FL, so they can be closer to work and family.



Success, it seems, does not come without hardship. Sue had to have another surgery to help alleviate her endometriosis symptoms, which was the first major blow to their financial stability. The sudden death of Sue’s father, Stanley, was the next event from which we are all still recovering. Because Stan was the primary daytime caregiver, Sue and Chris were required to scramble to find childcare. Soon after, Sue had to have another major surgery due to a life-threatening abdominal infection. As she was recovering, a hail storm hit their home in Trenton, causing them to relocated their whole life for months while repairs were being done. Just as things were starting to settle, we got the news of Chris’s cancer, and the medical bills are starting to feel insurmountable.

Again, anything you can do or give to help is greatly appreciated! All funds will go towards paying for Chris’s chemotherapy and other medical expenses. Any donations beyond that will be saved for Mitchell’s college fund.