Christian is a 28-year-old man from Boston, MA, recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer found in his jaw, called rhabdomyosarcoma. What he and his family thought would be a simple wisdom tooth removal turned into one of the worst diagnoses we ever could have imagined.

This type of cancer is seen in less than 1% of adults and is extremely rare in the area of the body that it was found. Chris was advised by his team of doctors to take a very aggressive approach to treating this cancer, as it’s unknown how quickly it can spread. He is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the lower left half of his jaw, several teeth, and lymph nodes. Along with this, he will have a bone and skin graft from his leg to reconstruct his jaw and a tracheostomy placed.

Chris is also a Type 1 diabetic, increasing his risks of infection and poor wound healing post-operatively. This will require him to have a lengthy hospital stay post-op to balance his cancer medications, insulin requirements, and monitoring his healing. All of this, followed by months of chemotherapy, radiation, occupational, and speech therapies. The team of doctors predict that Chris will be unable to work for one year minimum while healing.

Christian is a hardworking, caring, headstrong young man. He’s known to his friends and family as an avid jiu-jitsuer and weightlifter, talented snowboarder, and the best dog uncle there is. Chris is always up for an adventure and never backs down from a challenge. He is surrounded by a strong support system, including his parents, Mark and Julie, sister, Rachael, and girlfriend, Cass, along with many other family and friends. While it has been difficult to keep a positive outlook, Christian has been a rock, willing to do whatever his doctors are advising, while keeping a smile on his face and radiating his bright energy.

I’m creating this fundraiser in the hopes of easing some of the financial burden this endeavor will bring. Anything you are willing to donate will go directly to Chris to be able to afford his treatments and daily expenses. Most importantly, we ask that you keep Christian in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Thank you for taking the time to read through Chris’ story. Updates to come.