Our Story — Walking Through Cancer with Faith, Community, and Hope

This GoFundMe was created at the request of friends who have lovingly encouraged us to allow others the opportunity to help. That alone has been incredibly humbling. Asking for support does not come naturally for us, but we’ve been reminded that sometimes receiving help allows others to live out what it means to be the Church.

In July, we relocated our family to Little Rock for work and what we believed was a new chapter full of promise. Just two weeks later, our world shifted when Kelli received her official diagnosis: invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer).

On October 9, Kelli underwent a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. At the time, we believed surgery might be the only treatment needed. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

During surgery:

• Doctors were unable to determine whether the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes due to an inadequate sample

• A second mass was discovered

• Because metastasis could not be ruled out, a more aggressive treatment plan became necessary

As a result, Kelli’s doctors recommended both chemotherapy and radiation.

On November 14, Kelli had a port placed. She began chemotherapy on November 25, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Her treatment plan includes:

• 4 chemotherapy treatments every other week

• followed by 12 weekly treatments

• and then radiation therapy after chemotherapy is complete

This journey has been physically exhausting, emotionally heavy, and spiritually stretching—but we continue to trust God daily.

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The Financial Reality of Cancer Treatment

We are thankful to have insurance, but it is an 80/20 plan, meaning:

• We are responsible for 20% of all surgeries and treatments

• The new year means another new $3K deductible

• Plus all copays for frequent doctor visits, labs, imaging, medications, and specialists

What many don’t realize is that cancer brings hidden and compounding costs, including:

• Infusions and medications

• Imaging, labs, and follow-up visits

• Port placement and maintenance

• Radiation planning and treatments

• Time away from work due to treatment side effects and recovery

Kelli’s ability to work consistently has been impacted, and at the same time, our home in Missouri has not yet sold, leaving us carrying multiple housing payments and utilities. Despite careful planning and efforts to reduce expenses, the weight of these combined realities has created real financial strain.

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Why We’re Accepting Help

Scripture speaks to both personal responsibility and shared community:

“For each one should carry their own load.” — Galatians 6:5

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

We truly believe we’ve done our best to carry our own load. Accepting help now feels less like failure and more like obedience—allowing others to step in, love well, and be used by God.

A dear friend recently reminded us that this is one way the Body of Christ functions—by showing up for one another in tangible, practical ways. That perspective gave us peace to move forward.

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Our Heart

We are trusting God fully. He has been faithful every step of the way, even in the unknowns. We are surrounded by incredible doctors, family, friends, and a community that continues to lift us up in prayer.

If you feel led to give, please know how deeply grateful we are. If you’re unable to give, your prayers, encouragement, and sharing this page mean just as much.

Thank you for walking with us through this season. We believe God is still writing this story—and we are holding tightly to hope.

With gratitude,

Chad & Kelli

#ByHisGraceForHisGlory