Dear precious friends and family,

Several months ago, our world shifted when we received the heartbreaking news that our beloved dad and papa — truly the most wonderful man we know — had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It came as a complete shock. Dad has always been strong and healthy — our firefighting hero, the one we’ve turned to for strength and wisdom, especially when others were facing cancer over the years. You never think it will be your family… until it is.

A little over two months ago, Dad went in thinking he was dealing with another kidney stone — something he’s faced before (five surgeries over the last decade!). But instead of kidney stones, the doctors found a suspicious spot on his pancreas. It was truly discovered by “accident” — though we believe with all our hearts that it was no accident at all. Thank You, God, for using even something like kidney stone pain to reveal this early.

Further tests confirmed it was cancer, but contained to the pancreas with no signs of spread — Praise God! That early discovery alone is a miracle in itself. Pancreatic cancer is often caught very late, so this early detection has given us hope and precious time.

Since then, we’ve been deep in prayer, research, and seeking wisdom. We’ve pursued thorough testing and are taking a comprehensive, integrative approach to treatment. Instead of immediately diving into conventional chemotherapy — which

often has limited effectiveness for this kind of cancer unfortunately, Dad will undergo an alternative surgery called cryoablation along with targeted treatments in Mexico, under the care of a wonderful surgeon who specializes in hard-to-treat tumors. Dad is also being managed by a wonderful team of doctors locally.

These treatments are outside the scope of traditional care, and as such, they are not covered by insurance. They come with significant costs - but we know God has already been so faithful in opening doors and providing in unexpected ways.

I’ve created this GoFundMe not only to help offset these growing medical expenses, but also to give those who love my wonderful parents, Jim & Cathy, a tangible way to walk alongside them in this fight. Many of you have asked how you can help — this is one way. As many of you know, Dad is now on a strict healing diet, and Mom has become a full-time gourmet chef & kitchen warrior — chopping, prepping, and lovingly nourishing him with fresh, whole foods every single day. Every little bit helps, and any donation — large or small — makes a meaningful difference.

One of the best and sweetest ways God often provides for His people is through His people (not only financially speaking) but through the body of Christ coming together. I fully believe that, I have seen it and more than anything, we believe in the power of prayer, and we are boldly asking God for complete healing. We’ve already seen His hand in so many ways, and we believe this story is far from over. We’re believing for a miracle.

No one loves Jim Cooper more than me — his daughter, Crystal (although I may have to fight my Mom & Jimmy over that one!) — and I know I speak for our entire family when I say: we are so deeply grateful for your love, support, and faithful prayers. Prayer is our greatest weapon, and we cherish each and every one.

Dad continues to pour into others as a powerful mentor, and he’s the world’s greatest Papa to five beautiful grandkids. We believe with all our hearts that God is not done with him yet. This journey hasn’t been easy, but we are praising our way through it and fighting on our knees — every step of the way.

GOD IS FAITHFUL! He is writing a story bigger than we can imagine, and we are trusting Him with every single chapter.

“When Jesus heard that, He said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”

— John 11:4

“Do you believe (with deep, abiding trust) that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord!” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith… it will be done to you.”

— Matthew 9:27–29

“Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes!’ Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’…This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what He has promised!” ~ Isaiah‬ ‭38‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬, ‭7‬