Support Jim Sklavanitis' Fight Against Cancer

My Mother and Father-in-law, Jim and Brenda Sklavanitis have spent the last 31 years together in the tight-knit community of Mount Morris, Illinois. They are the proud grandparents of three wonderful granddaughters: Ellis, Matalyn, and Morgan. Their life was unexpectantly turned upside down when, on August 18th, 2024, Brenda noticed Jim’s skin turning yellow. Concerned, they went to the ER, where doctors discovered a blockage in his bile duct. Further scans revealed a large tumor on the head of his pancreas, directly affecting a major artery.

By the end of the day, Jim was transferred to UW Madison for specialized care. There, doctors placed a stent to alleviate the bile duct blockage and performed biopsies on the primary tumor and numerous spots on his liver. After several weeks, the results came back confirming what no one expected to hear: stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This aggressive cancer has taken our family by surprise and has forced Jim to face the fight of his life.

Jim is currently undergoing chemotherapy in the hopes of shrinking the tumor enough to become eligible for surgery. However, the physical toll of the treatments has greatly impacted his ability to work and provide for his family.

For as long as anyone can remember, Jim has been the one to lend a helping hand, lead by example, and give more than he ever took. Now, it’s our turn to support him in this difficult time. The Sklavanitis family is reaching out to our community for help as Jim continues his battle. Any contribution, large or small, will go directly toward his medical expenses and support his family during this challenging time.

We thank you for your generosity and support.