Support Russ Shelafoe's Fight Against Cancer

Help Russ Fight Cancer: A Journey of Hope and Healing

On November 23, everything changed for our friend Russ Shelafoe—a man known for his warm smile, quiet humor, and zest for life. A vibrant 45-year-old who loves playing basketball, lifting weights, hiking, and spending quality time with his family, Russ was suddenly admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in his liver. That day, prayers began to pour in as his loved ones braced for the journey ahead.

The following days were filled with uncertainty and hope. On November 24, as Russ and his wife Michelle remained in Marshfield for testing, messages of support and prayers poured in from every direction. Even his birthday on November 27 and Thanksgiving on November 28 were marked by the outpouring of love from family and friends.

The diagnosis was confirmed: Russ has hepatobiliary adenocarcinoma (a Klatskin tumor) with metastasis. In early January, the battle became even more tangible. On January 6, Russ had a port inserted to begin his treatment, and by January 7, he started an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. His treatment plan is rigorous and is set to continue for six months before the next round of scans checks tumor size. Each cycle begins with a week of combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by an intensive week of chemotherapy, then a week for labs and rest. Even on the days when the side effects hit hardest, small victories—like his tumor marker numbers dropping from 57 to 49—offer hope.

The Urgent Need for Support

Despite having health insurance, Russ’s policy comes with a high deductible, leaving him with significant out-of-pocket expenses. Coupled with the fact that his treatment schedule has forced him to miss a large amount of work, the financial burden is growing. Every day, as Russ fights this aggressive cancer, he faces mounting medical bills and the challenges of covering everyday living expenses.

We are praying for a full recovery and are starting this campaign with an initial goal of $15,000 to cover Russ’s immediate needs. These funds will help pay for his treatments, manage high deductible costs, and bridge the gap from missed work. Every donation—no matter how small—offers hope and support during this critical time.

How You Can Help

In addition to your financial contributions, your prayers, kind messages, and sharing of this campaign are invaluable. We will provide regular updates on Russ’s progress so you can see firsthand how your support is making a difference. Your generosity not only eases his financial burden but also reminds him that he is never alone in this fight.

Russ is much more than his diagnosis. He’s a kind, gentle soul whose laugh can light up a room and whose strength inspires everyone around him. Let’s rally together in prayer and support, and help Russ on his journey back to full health.

Thank you for being a part of this community of hope and healing.