Your donations support Kim and Craig as they manage Kim's aggressive cancer treatment. Funds are being used responsibly for daily living expenses, medical treatment not covered by insurance which includes $1200 co-pays for chemo, petscans, supplements, fuel for transportation, and unexpected dog care treatment (Buddy just got an ear infection).

Kim and I met at the NTC, Fort Irwin, California in 2007 where are husbands were serving. Kim was caring for families in MWR with child and youth services. Unspoken military bonds keep people strong and connected in spite of military separations. Regardless of the distance, we kept in touch. I was shocked to learn of Kim's pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Kim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on May 21, 2025. It is devastating any time someone gets a cancer diagnosis, but this someone has been hit with a tsunami this past year. Kim lost her dad on June 13th, was diagnosed with cancer May 21st prior to losing her dad unexpectedly, survived supporting her daughter escaping an abusive ex-spouse, criminal trial and helping care for three precious grandchildren, going through a life-threatening medical emergency with an Army husband that resulted is an unplanned medical retirement discharge, and losing her dream job as a special education teacher due to cancer. Seriously, just one of these events is life-altering.

My best job ever was caring for my military and their families. This is again a chance to care for a military family that has given their lives to be in service to others and our country.

Kim and Craig, have touched the lives of thousands of military men and women. Craig served as a command sargent major and combat medic. Kim served in a variety of roles supporting military children and their parents.

Kim also cared for military pets and in particular horses. She has volunteered at a number of horse therapy programs around the country at various duty stations too. Just ask Buddy, their fur baby about her love of animals.

Never ones to stand back, they both charge headlong into battle. This battle has affected their finances more than they planned or thought possible.

Here is Kim's story in her own words: "Hey everyone! Never in a million years did I think we would need a GoFundMe. Life was going along beautifully. I was teaching first grade at my grandkids school, shuttling them wherever they needed to go, helping our daughter and her husband as they needed, living life and having while whole maintaining an unhealthy level of control over my life and anyone else’s. During this wonderful time, I had a constant ache in my stomach, and I would say to my husband, I bet I have an ulcer. I last two months in a first grade, inner city classroom and was done. My heart is devoted to students with cognitive or physical needs whether in a classroom or on horseback. Anyway, the ache in my stomach persistent and finally I said, “I gotta go to the ER.” Which was a huge statement because when Craig was serving in the army, he is now a disabled vet, he managed clinics and eventually hospitals so of course I didn’t want to be a regular at either. So we go to the Orlando Health ER right up the street and they were amazing!! We all thought, including the medical staff that I would be having an appendectomy that very night.

Wellllll, not so much. When the results of the CT scan came back, my appendix was fine. The doctor got a chair, to which in my head I responded with, “Noooo don’t do that!” Then she proceeded to tell Craig and I there was a mass on my pancreas. One tear went down my left cheek and then I was ready to fight.

Every plan we ever made came to a screeching halt. I had an amazing job offer to teach special education at the new charter school our grandkids would be attending, I had huge plans with the grandkids over the summer, pedicures, beaches, road trips, you name it. A screeching halt.

On May 21, 2025 I saw my primary, on May 22, 2025 I saw my oncologist (never did I think I’d have a cancer guy), on May 27, 2025 the biopsy confirmed the cancer and on May 29, 2025 a plan was in place. June 6, 2025 in went the port and on June 10 was my first round of chemo. Here I sit knowing that tomorrow is round seven, and I am excited because the fight continues!!

We moved to Florida in July, 2023 to help our daughter and the grandkids because she was going through a horrible divorce and Craig was being retired under medical conditions at the same time. We took a huge financial loss moving to Florida but it’s what you do when family needs you! We were counting on my job for this current school year and it was gone.

To be perfectly clear, I know who holds my future and for Him and to Him I am truly grateful. God has been preparing me for this battle since July 10, 2024 when I woke up and said, “Time to make some changes.” I quit all alcohol, changed my eating in every way and started my health journey. I lost 30 pounds very quickly and with no effort. I would say to my mom and my friends, “Something isn’t right.” I was doing nothing to earn the loss of 30 pounds which come to find out is a sign of pancreatic cancer. So, we know God holds our future and continues to take care of me. He has put an incredible medical team in place and the amount of prayer warriors I have is staggering and humbling. Prayer is the strongest weapon we have against cancer and all other situations life brings and money helps! If you’re able to donate, we are forever grateful. If you will pray as this battle continues, please join us in prayer! I have six more rounds of chemo and then surgery. That is the plan as of now but we all know what happens to plans. God is in control, and I am not. He has used this season to teach me so much about Him, about me and about gratitude. Thank you for taking the time to read this and the fight goes on!!

From Craig: "To those who are following this journey we are on with this cancer thing… thank you. For those who have offered words of encouragement… thank you. For those who were able to give to this cause… thank you! It’s very humbling to find out you can’t take care of the love of your life when she needs it the most. Thank you for giving of yourselves and your hearts. I’m awestruck by the outpouring of kindness."

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Keep following for updates as Kim nears her final treatments before surgery. Every dollar helps. Big or small, Kim is grateful for every dollar and prayer offered on their behalf.