Charles is a husband, father, son, brother and US Navy Veteran. Charles served during Desert Storm and now is facing a storm of his own. Chuck, as he is lovingly called by family and dear friends was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer. Now, he and his family are doing all they can to save his life. You see, three years ago the VA hospital told Chuck that there was cause for concern that he may have cancer on his kidneys, however, after testing and X-rays the VA told Chuck that it was a mistake, the tests were negative. Relieved and thrilled Chuck continued living life as usual doing what he loved working, being a husband and a father. All that changed March of 2016.

Chuck went to the VA hospital early March of 2016 unable to breathe. The news would be devastating to his family. The doctors informed Chuck that his kidney was bleeding and filling into his chest cavity and the pressure from the bleeding collapsed his lung. All this meaning that there was indeed cancer three years ago that the VA doctors missed. Shocked, worried and feeling let down by the VA Hospitals level of care and oversight to treat the cancer three years ago Chuck and his wife Diona used their private insurance to pursue a more capable team of doctors.

This new team of doctors was able to perform surgery on Chuck, removing a cancerous kidney, a lymph node and attempted to drain and survey Chuck’s chest cavity and lungs for any further damage. The team did find damage. So much damage, in fact, that they were unable to do anything to his chest cavity and lungs. The cancer has taken over everywhere the infected kidney fluid touched in Chuck's lungs and chest, resulting in numerous tumors. There are so many cancer tumors they were not able to remove them. While Chuck was recovering from surgery, Diona, with a team of family and friends received the heart wrenching news that Chuck's cancer is far beyond surgical help or even chemotherapy.

After 25 years of marriage Chuck and Diona are not ready to give up this fight for Chuck's life. The goal is to raise money for alternative care and also to cover the medical expenses that exist since Charles was fired from his job for being sick. Chuck was the primary source of income for himself, Diona and their three young adult children. If you could find a few moments to send well wishes, thoughts, prayers and also consider donating to help Chuck and Diona cover their living expenses and possible end of life care, their family would be forever grateful. No one expects to be fighting for their life so young let alone fighting for their life and worrying about bills and medical care.

Thank you for reading and sharing this page in hopes of alleviating some financial burden off this incredibly wonderful family.

Blessings,
Misty and Brittni on behalf of Charles, Diona, Chris, Joel and Danny.