Support Chris and April in Their Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

If you know Chris, you know his strength.

At only 55 years old, Chris has already spent more than a decade battling Multiple Sclerosis, facing physical challenges, uncertainty, and the financial burdens that come with living with a chronic illness. Through it all, he has continued to move forward with determination, supported every step of the way by his devoted wife, April, and their loving family.

Earlier this year, a new and terrifying battle began.

In January, Chris started experiencing severe abdominal pain. What followed was months of appointments, tests, procedures, emergency room visits, and hospital stays as doctors searched for answers. He was treated for an ulcer he didn’t have. He underwent an EGD, CT scans, MRIs, gallbladder removal surgery, and treatments for gastritis and diverticulitis. Despite all of it, the pain only grew worse.

As the weeks turned into months, Chris’s pain became excruciating. Multiple trips to the emergency room and a five-day hospitalization still failed to uncover the cause. Desperate for answers, Chris and April made the trip to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

After additional testing and specialized procedures, they finally received a diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer.

After months of uncertainty, they finally had an answer…. but it was the answer no family ever wants to hear.

Since receiving the diagnosis, Chris has endured multiple hospitalizations as doctors work to manage the intense pain caused by the cancer. Because of complications related to his long-standing Multiple Sclerosis, traditional pain management methods, including nerve blocks, have not been as effective as doctors had hoped. While nerve blocks initially provided some relief, the effects quickly wore off, leading to additional hospital admissions and a complete restart of his pain management plan.

The physical toll has been immense. The emotional toll has been heartbreaking.

Yet through it all, Chris continues to fight with incredible courage, and April remains faithfully by his side, advocating for him every step of the way.

The couple has chosen to continue treatment at Mayo Clinic because of the exceptional care they have received there. They are incredibly grateful for the expertise, compassion, and hope provided by the medical team. However, traveling back and forth between home and Rochester comes with significant expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals, medications, and time away from work.

Chris has now begun chemotherapy, and we are grateful to share that his first treatment went well with minimal side effects so far. While there are still many unknowns ahead, one of the greatest blessings during this difficult season has been the opportunity to spend precious time with family.

His son, Nathan, has been a constant source of support throughout this journey, spending as much time as possible with his dad and helping his parents navigate the challenges ahead. Chris’s daughter, Kenzie, also returned home from California with her husband, Lleyton, and their daughter, Lillian, so the family could be together during this difficult time.

These moments have become priceless. Chris has especially treasured the time spent with his granddaughter, Lillian, whose laughter, hugs, and fascination with Pop's beard have brought light into some very dark days.

For a family that has already spent more than ten years navigating the challenges of MS, this cancer diagnosis has created an overwhelming new emotional, physical, and financial burden.

Today, we’re asking for help.

Every donation will help ease the financial strain of medical treatments, travel to Mayo Clinic, lodging, medications, lost income, and daily living expenses so Chris and April can focus their energy where it belongs…. on treatment, healing, family, and making memories together.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and lifting Chris, April, Nathan, Kenzie, Lleyton, and little Lillian up in your prayers.

Thank you for surrounding this family with love, hope, strength, and support as they face the fight of their lives.