At just 38 years old, Colette has been told the words no one is ever prepared to hear: there are no more treatment options. After years of relentless pain, repeated hospitalizations, and fighting a genetic disease she never chose, doctors have informed her that her only chance to survive is a total pancreatectomy—a massive, life-altering surgery that will permanently change how she lives. This surgery cannot wait, and neither can her need for support.



Hello, my name is Lynn.

With Colette and Stephen’s permission, I am creating this fundraiser on their behalf. Colette is my daughter-in-law, and Stephen is my son. This is the only official fundraiser established for their family.

For those who may not know, Colette lives with a rare genetic form of pancreatitis that has taken over her life. In 2025 alone, she has endured eight stent replacements, three extended hospitalizations, and countless complications from severe infections. Just recently, doctors were forced to surgically place a feeding tube so she can receive nutrition.

After exhausting every possible treatment, Colette’s doctors have delivered devastating news: her only remaining option is a total pancreatectomy. This decision has come much sooner than anyone expected, and her medical team is moving quickly to proceed.

Ten years ago, Colette watched her young son Jameson undergo this same life-saving surgery in order to survive. Now, she must face that same surgery herself.

The procedure is over 10 hours long and will remove her pancreas, appendix, gallbladder, and part of her upper intestine. Recovery will require weeks in the hospital and months at home. Colette will become a brittle diabetic for life—but this surgery will also eliminate her extremely high risk of pancreatic cancer and offers hope of finally ending the constant, debilitating pain she lives with every day.

During this time, Stephen will be forced to take unpaid time off work to care for Colette, their children, and manage her long recovery. He has already used all of his paid time off over the past year supporting her through repeated hospital stays.

If you know Colette and Stephen, you know the kind of people they are—generous, caring, and always willing to help others. Now, they are the ones who need support. Whether through a donation, a share, or simply keeping them in your thoughts, your kindness will help ease the financial burden on their family so they can focus on what truly matters: healing, recovery, and bringing Colette home to her children.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for standing with this family during one of the hardest moments of their lives.