Still Kickin’: Standing with Gary & Tammy Chambers

Many of you know Gary Chambers — a steady leader, mentor, and beloved friend. Today, Gary and his wife Tammy are facing a series of devastating events that have forever changed their lives — and they need our help.

In early December 2024, Tammy was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and began chemotherapy. In late January 2025, after her seventh treatment, she collapsed at home and was rushed to the hospital. Emergency surgery revealed a ruptured colon that had poisoned her system — a condition with a 70–80% mortality rate. She was immediately admitted to intensive care and placed on a ventilator.

In the months that followed, Tammy endured multiple life-threatening complications: repeated cardiac episodes with heart rates over 220 beats per minute (requiring six defibrillation shocks), a Code Blue where her heart stopped for over four minutes, and numerous surgeries — including a mastectomy. She was placed on dialysis and remained in critical condition for weeks.

Three times, ICU doctors met with Gary and their family to prepare them for the most likely — and heartbreaking — outcome. But Tammy had other plans. Against all odds, she fought through.

However, the powerful medications used to keep her alive caused irreversible damage to her extremities. Tammy now faces the amputation of both her hands and feet.

Gary has been by her side every day through more than 80 days in the ICU — all while mourning the recent loss of his father, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran.