Stand with Chris: A Veteran, Father, and Fighter in Need!

Help Support Chris in His Time of Need! Chris and Joy Spires are the owners of the Joyful Cafe in Winsor, SC. Chris worked at USC Aiken. Both have given a lot to the community. The cafe has quickly become a treasured new dining spot for residents. They are in desperate need of help! Chris has a super-sized WILL TO LIVE for his family that needs him. One set back after another is threatening this wonderful family and they need help.

Chris was born and raised in South Carolina and has always been a hard worker. He started working at just 15 years old and joined the United States Air Force at 18. Since 2005, Chris has been a dedicated employee at USC Aiken, supporting his family and serving his community.

In October 2023, Chris’s life took a devastating turn. Within just 48 hours, he suffered two brain aneurysms—both of which ruptured. The second aneurysm caused a stroke, leaving him temporarily paralyzed on his left side. He has since made progress through physical therapy, but still suffers from limited mobility and little feeling on his left side, causing frequent falls. His memory has also been significantly impacted, making everyday tasks difficult and frustrating.

To make matters more complicated, a third aneurysm, also ruptured—remains in a dangerous location between the two previous ones. This aneurysm was scheduled for repair in April 2024. However, in March, Chris suffered a heart attack. On April 1st, 2024, he underwent triple bypass open-heart surgery. The procedure left him physically unable to proceed with the scheduled aneurysm repair.

Chris applied for Social Security Disability back in October 2023, hoping to qualify for early retirement due to his medical condition and preserve the benefits he faithfully paid into for over 18 years. Despite this, he has been denied so far. His final appeal hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2025.

Although Chris is a veteran, his current health conditions are not considered service-related, which unfortunately means he is not eligible for treatment through the VA. In July 2024, he exhausted all his medical leave at USC Aiken and was officially let go. As a result, their family lost all medical insurance coverage, his life insurance, and other crucial benefits.

If Chris is approved for Social Security Disability in May, they can begin the next phase to apply for medical retirement—another long and uncertain process. Meanwhile, the aneurysm is still there, and Chris will likely need further procedures. A recent surgery on April 10th placed a stent to reroute blood flow in hopes the aneurysm will shrink, but nothing is guaranteed.

Chris turned 52 this July. He’s a loving father to six children, with three still living at home. Until October 2023, he was the family’s rock—managing the household, taking care of the cars, paying the bills, handling the insurance, and more. This sudden, ongoing health crisis has left him not only physically vulnerable but emotionally and mentally struggling, too. Depression has become a daily battle as he adjusts to a life that looks nothing like the one he worked so hard to build.

The family is reaching out to ask for help. Any support you can give—whether financial, through sharing this campaign, visiting the Joyful Cafe, or offering prayers—means the world to their family. Every little bit helps ease the burden as they fight for the care, stability, and security that Chris deserves.

Thank you for standing with them during this difficult time.