Support the Stumpfs as Marty Fights Stage 4 Cancer

My name is Janet Krause. I met Marty, Christina and their then-teenage twins when the whole family started fostering dogs for an animal rescue I also volunteered with, Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue. They fostered several dozen dogs and helped out as a family at adoption events. It has been my great honor to have known this wonderful family for 7 years.

Marty, who is 58, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Gastric Cancer two months ago. The doctors have deemed it incurable but Marty is going through grueling medical treatments in order to prolong his life and be present for as long as he can for Christina, his loving wife of 34 years, and his two college-age twins, Marty Jr. and Chloe.

This is not the first time Marty and Christina have been in the thick of a battle with cancer. When they were engaged, Marty was diagnosed with leukemia in 1989 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in 1990. He was in remission for 34 years before he was stricken with gastric cancer.

Marty was a police officer with the Highland Park Police Department for 23 years. His measured, thoughtful and patient demeaner served him well on the force. After sustaining an on-the-job injury, Marty retired early from the HPPD.

Marty's next job was as a stay-at-home dad. He volunteered his time as a leader for Marty Jr.'s Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops, from his Bobcat badge to Eagle Scout. Marty was a mainstay at all the meets of the Warren Township High School swim and water polo teams, cheering on his own kids and their teammates. Marty also was a stalwart supporter of his kids' karate efforts, from white belt to black belt, including traveling to local, state and national events. He never missed a karate practice or competition.

The Stumpf family was reluctant to ask for help, but they need it desperately. Christina, who works as a freelance film and video editor, has become Marty's full-time caregiver along with handling all aspects of keeping their household running. She is working hard to balance taking care of Marty with her work commitments, and is still working but can't tackle as many projects as in the past. This has created a big hole in their family budget. Although the family has health insurance, their out-of-pocket medical costs for Marty's treatment and hospitalizations are climbing.

Please take the time to post the link to this Go Fund Me for Marty and his family on your Facebook page. This family is so deserving of our financial help! Give whatever you can!