Support the Willises During Russ's Cancer Recovery

Let's Bless Russ and Kathy Willis When Russ Has Cancer Surgery

Hospice Chaplain Russ Willis was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in the spring of 2025. He is scheduled to undergo a radical prostatectomy in June. Russ will need to take time off for surgery and recovery, but he has only two weeks of paid time off available. His doctor estimates his recovery will take about six weeks, meaning Russ will be without income for much of that time. (We know his patients will miss his smiling face and comforting visits while he is off too!)

In addition to lost wages, Russ must continue paying his portion of his insurance and cover significant out-of-pocket medical expenses. The Willises have already begun dipping into their emergency savings during the long diagnostic process to pay deductibles.

Kathy Carlton Willis, his wife, has been on disability for many years due to ongoing health issues and primary immune deficiency among her challenges, which has been further complicated by recent long-COVID. She has experienced even greater difficulty managing day-to-day activities. Many of you know Kathy through her writing and coaching of other writers as God's Grin Gal.

Throughout their lives, Russ and Kathy have been tireless encouragers through formal ministry and countless acts of personal kindness that are woven into how they live daily. They have consistently poured love, generosity, and support into the lives of those around them. Now it’s our turn to show up for them.

This is our opportunity to bless Russ and Kathy with the assurance that their financial needs will be met, allowing them to focus fully on healing without the added stress of financial hardship. Let’s rally together to show them the same love, support, and friendship they have so freely given to so many of us!

Funds will help cover:

All funds will go directly to Russ and Kathy to cover their expenses during this time. Thank you for being part of their healing journey! Kathy has been sending updates to her mailing list, so in addition to any updates here, you can get more details by adding your email to her list here.