Because no family should fight alone.

In June of this past year, Jerry Heidel began experiencing persistent difficulty swallowing and a sensation of something lodged in his throat. Due to insurance delays, he was unable to see his doctor until August. On August 8, 2025, just three days after celebrating his 65th birthday, Jerry underwent an EGD that revealed a large mass in his esophagus. The results confirmed everyone's worst fears — he was diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma.

A PET scan on August 19, 2025, showed that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and adrenal glands, confirming a stage four diagnosis. Jerry has been receiving treatment through the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Altoona and Pittsburgh, completing six rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy with his seventh scheduled. Although a PET scan in October showed reduced cancer activity, recent biopsies in Pittsburgh are pending as doctors evaluate the next steps. The last few weeks have been extremely difficult for Jerry as he has lost a significant amount of weight and endured severe side effects from treatment, requiring adjustments to his chemotherapy regimen.

Jerry has devoted his life to his family — his wife Lisa, their four daughters, and ten grandchildren — who are his greatest source of love and motivation. A 1978 graduate of MUAHS, Jerry is deeply connected to the Mount Union community. All four of his daughters are MUAHS alumni, and eight of his grandchildren currently attend schools within the Mount Union Area School District. Known for his generosity and integrity, Jerry is the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He and Lisa continue traveling frequently to Altoona, Pittsburgh, and Lewistown for his treatments and appointments.

Laurie lives in the Juniata Valley School District. While balancing extra work hours, transporting Gaige to numerous medical appointments, and managing everyday responsibilities, Laurie began experiencing what she believed to be a kidney or bladder infection on November 16. She was soon faced with a far more serious diagnosis: Stage III ovarian cancer with metastasis to the peritoneal lining. Her diagnosis is classified as High-Grade Serous Carcinoma (HGSC), the most common, aggressive, and deadly form of ovarian cancer.

In just 32 days, Laurie went from her first CT scan to biopsy, diagnosis, and her first chemotherapy treatment. Her current treatment plan includes three chemotherapy treatments spaced 21 days apart, followed by a repeat CT scan. She is scheduled to undergo surgery in early March 2026, after which she will complete three additional chemotherapy treatments.

Laurie and family are no strangers to CHAMP. A few years ago, her son, Gaige Packer — a 2021 graduate of Juniata Valley — was a CHAMP recipient in 2024. Gaige is still undergoing treatment at Hershey, and Laurie has been his sole caregiver throughout this journey. Currently unable to work, it is especially challenging to manage her own health, support her son through his ongoing treatments, and navigate the demands of daily life during this overwhelming time.

Tara Whitsel of Three Springs in Southern Huntingdon School District was diagnosed in mid-2025 with Stage IV small cell lung cancer following a challenging year of unexplained health issues. As her symptoms progressed, Tara began experiencing significant shortness of breath while at work, prompting her to seek care from her family doctor. During that visit, physicians discovered that her lung was partially collapsed, though the cause was not immediately clear. Further testing and biopsies ultimately confirmed her cancer diagnosis.

In addition to the primary lung mass, tumors were also found on both adrenal glands. Tara underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and is now receiving immunotherapy. While her cancer is not considered curable, it is treatable, with the goal of managing the disease and slowing its progression.

Following chemotherapy, the masses on her adrenal glands are no longer visible, and the lung mass has significantly decreased in size. At this time, surgery and radiation are not viable treatment options. Tara will continue immunotherapy treatments along with routine monitoring and scans as she moves forward in her care.

In June, Sherry was found to have a nodule in her esophagus, which led to a referral to Hershey Medical Center for further evaluation and removal. The procedure was performed in early July, and pathology results confirmed adenocarcinoma — esophageal cancer. Sherry received this devastating diagnosis while also grieving the heartbreaking loss of her grandson, Carter Wagner.

She was referred to a surgical oncologist in Hershey to develop a treatment plan. Thankfully, a PET scan revealed the cancer was Stage I. After careful discussion with her medical team and in pursuit of the best possible outcome, Sherry chose to undergo a partial esophagectomy in November. This is a highly complex procedure requiring 12–16 hours of surgery and at least a week-long hospital stay.

During surgery, however, the surgeon discovered that the primary blood vessel supplying the stomach was not long enough to safely reconnect it to the remaining esophagus. Proceeding would have risked a dangerous leak or loss of blood supply to the stomach. For Sherry's safety, the surgeon made the decision to stop the procedure and regroup.

The new plan will involve reconstructing Sherry's esophagus using a portion of her colon. Before this surgery can be performed, she will require additional testing. This revised approach will result in a longer surgery, a larger incision, and an extended recovery period. At this time, the surgery has not yet been rescheduled. Sherry is currently doing well and has been discharged home.

About a year ago, George Edgerton of Juniata Valley began experiencing concerning symptoms that led to a colonoscopy. After several months of testing, he was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer. George underwent multiple months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which successfully reduced the size of the tumors enough to allow for surgery.

On December 15, George underwent surgery to remove a portion of his colon and currently has an ileostomy. He is unable to work and will remain off work for the foreseeable future while he recovers. He is receiving home nursing care to assist with his recovery.

George continues to experience daily pain and is still awaiting final surgical pathology results. At this time, doctors are hopeful that the surgery successfully removed all of the cancer and that his ileostomy may eventually be reversed, pending the outcome of his recovery and test results.

Sharon lives in the Southern Huntingdon School District. She has been courageously battling breast cancer since May 2025 and has tested positive for the BRCA gene, significantly increasing her risk for cancer in other organs. She has completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy and underwent a bilateral mastectomy on November 21.

Sharon has already endured one major surgery and is now preparing for another, all while continuing immunotherapy treatments. In addition to her cancer diagnosis, Sharon lives with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that has made chemotherapy especially challenging and, at times, frightening.

Many of her medical appointments require travel of more than 100 miles, adding substantial emotional and financial strain to an already difficult journey. Despite these obstacles, Sharon's strength, faith, and unwavering positivity continue to inspire everyone around her.

Ellie Kirsch of the Mount Union School District was born in 2018 with a congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot. She underwent her first surgical repair in July 2018, with the understanding that additional procedures would likely be needed later in her teenage years. However, during a follow-up appointment in June 2025, her family learned that Ellie's heart had already enlarged to 2.8 times its normal size due to the absence of a pulmonary valve.

Given the severity of her condition, open-heart surgery became the only viable option. Ellie's family was presented with an opportunity to proceed with an innovative approach: a surgeon working alongside the FDA offered a newly developed heart valve designed specifically for children facing similar challenges. After careful consideration, they agreed to move forward.

Ellie became the 11th child in Philadelphia — and only the 47th child worldwide — to receive the Autus valve. Her ongoing treatment plan includes continued care with her regular cardiologist, along with close monitoring by the specialized medical team in Philadelphia collaborating with the FDA to clinically test and approve the valve. While the earliest recipients have been living with the valve for approximately 1.5 years and are doing well, the long-term outcomes remain uncertain. Ellie will require additional surgeries in the future, though the timing is currently unknown. Her family remains hopeful that the Autus valve will continue to function as intended.

Sam is the son of Paula Stevens and Brady Stevens from Juniata Valley. In May 2025, Sam was found to have several masses around his lungs following a CT scan at Huntingdon Hospital. While cancer was suspected, the results were inconclusive. Sam was referred to the Hillman Cancer Center in Altoona, where he underwent extensive testing, including blood work, additional CT scans, X-rays, EKGs, and numerous other diagnostic procedures. Despite these efforts, no definitive diagnosis was reached.

Sam was then referred to Pittsburgh multiple times and evaluated by a pulmonologist, undergoing a total of five biopsies. In November 2025, doctors were ultimately required to perform a more invasive surgical biopsy, making an incision on his left side beneath his lung to obtain adequate tissue. That procedure finally led to a diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

On December 4, 2025, Sam had a port placed in preparation for treatment. Later that day, he was taken to the emergency room in Altoona after his oxygen levels would not stabilize. He was admitted for five days with fluid in his lungs, pneumonia, and anemia that required blood transfusions. During this time, doctors noted that the masses around his lungs had grown and that part of his right lung had collapsed.

On December 9, Sam was transferred to UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he remained until December 12 to begin chemotherapy treatments. He was then discharged home with supplemental oxygen. Sam has since improved and is now able to use oxygen only as needed. Due to the progression of his cancer, Sam's spleen and liver have enlarged to nearly twice their normal size. His medical team is hopeful that ongoing chemotherapy will reduce them back to normal size as treatment continues.

Heather is a resident of the Juniata Valley School District and a two-time survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia who has undergone a bone marrow transplant. While she has overcome her cancer diagnoses, Heather continues to face significant and ongoing health challenges as a result of extensive treatment, including six rounds of full-body radiation.

These complications include a CMV DNA infection, radiation pneumonitis, and long-term airway damage, all of which require continuous medical management to control inflammation, prevent infection, and preserve lung function. Heather requires frequent medical monitoring, including laboratory work twice weekly in Lewistown, along with numerous additional tests and appointments.

Herbert lives in the Mount Union School District. About a year ago, his family began noticing unexplained weight loss, though he did not appear ill. Despite multiple medical visits, doctors were initially unable to determine the cause. On July 10, the family received the difficult news that Herbert had cancer. Further evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of Stage III liver cancer — specifically hepatocellular carcinoma.

Herbert and his wife, Wendy, now travel frequently to Pittsburgh, Seneca, and State College for medical appointments and treatments, all while raising their three grandchildren. Wendy works full time but often must miss work or work remotely to accommodate Herbert's medical care. Many of these appointments require overnight hotel stays, adding to the financial and emotional strain.

Herbert is wheelchair-bound, having lost his leg in a tractor-trailer accident in 1982. Despite this, he worked as a truck driver for 35 years to provide for his family. When Wendy is working, Herbert does his best to help care for the grandchildren, including transporting them to practices and activities. However, there are days when his pain prevents him from driving, requiring Wendy to leave work to assist.

Sylus was diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) in June 2021. Shortly after his diagnosis, he underwent a bone marrow transplant in July 2021. While the transplant was a critical part of his treatment, Sylus experienced an autoimmune reaction that has required ongoing, intensive medical care. His family makes frequent trips to Pittsburgh to manage his MLD, transplant follow-up care, and continued treatment for autoimmune complications.

Currently, Sylus receives monthly infusion therapy to support his immune system and requires skilled nursing care five days a week. Over the past six months, his medical needs have increased significantly. He has become more dependent on a G-tube for nutrition and hydration and now uses a hospital bed at home.

Looking ahead, Sylus's family is working closely with Penn State to obtain a communication device, as doctors anticipate he may lose the ability to speak in the coming years. This support will be vital in preserving his ability to communicate, connect, and express himself. Despite these immense challenges, Sylus continues to show remarkable strength, and his family remains deeply committed to providing him with the highest level of care, comfort, and quality of life.

Over the past several years, Tammy from Southern Huntingdon has endured a long and complex medical journey. What began as chronic acid reflux eventually led to a referral to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville in August 2022. After extensive testing, Tammy underwent surgery to address her reflux and a hiatal hernia. During the initial procedure, she experienced two cardiac arrests on the operating table and required intensive care.

In 2023, Tammy underwent a second attempt at the reflux surgery, which was successful. However, she soon developed severe swallowing difficulties and was diagnosed with achalasia, a condition in which the muscles and nerves of the esophagus do not function properly. Despite repeated hospitalizations and procedures to stretch her esophagus, Tammy continued to struggle with eating, leading to significant weight loss.

In early 2024, a feeding tube was placed due to her inability to maintain nutrition. When her body could not tolerate tube feedings, she transitioned to receiving nutrition through a PICC line. While this helped stabilize her weight, Tammy experienced serious complications, including a severe infection that required hospitalization.

Seeking further answers, Tammy pursued additional care at Hershey Medical Center and was ultimately referred to the Cleveland Clinic. There, doctors identified an intestinal infection and structural complications within her small intestine that caused food intolerance. Tammy remains dependent on IV nutrition and, as of December 9, 2025, has had a GJ feeding tube placed. She continues to experience complications, including infections and tube blockages, and is awaiting replacement of the feeding tube. Despite ongoing challenges, Tammy's faith, strength, and determination continue to carry her forward.

Lincoln is a remarkable 14-year-old boy living with an extraordinarily rare and complex medical condition. At the time of his birth in 2011, only six confirmed cases worldwide were known to share the same genetic mutation. To this day, his condition remains unnamed, leaving doctors to manage symptoms without established treatment pathways. His condition affects multiple systems throughout his body and requires ongoing, highly specialized medical support.

Over the years, Lincoln has undergone several significant medical procedures, including hip surgery and cranial vault surgery, along with additional minor surgeries. He is G-tube fed, with daily bowel flushes required to maintain his health. Over the past two years, Lincoln's medical journey has become increasingly challenging. After prolonged and worsening symptoms, including internal bleeding, he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and now receives monthly infusion treatments. In November 2025, approximately six inches of his small intestine and part of his colon were removed.

Lincoln is currently undergoing medical evaluations related to emerging concerns surrounding a collagen deficiency that may impact his future care. Yet through all of this, Lincoln brings something extraordinary to even the most difficult places — joy. He truly loves the hospital, especially the elevators. His excitement and smiles lift spirits and bring moments of light to everyone he encounters.

Chad sought care from his primary physician in late spring 2025 after experiencing unusual digestive symptoms. After dietary adjustments, medication, and multiple diagnostic tests, a colonoscopy was performed, during which a colorectal tumor was discovered. Further testing confirmed the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Chad was referred to a colorectal surgeon at Penn State Hershey, where MRI and CT imaging revealed metastatic tumors in his liver and lungs. These findings also confirmed that the primary colorectal tumor was inoperable at its current size. Chad is currently receiving treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, as well as Mt. Nittany Cancer Center and Penn State Hershey. His treatment plan includes biweekly chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

While his condition is considered lifelong, Chad continues to move forward with optimism and a deep appreciation for each day. Chad resides in Huntingdon with his wife, Jessica, and their children, Bryce and Stella, who attend the Huntingdon Area School District.

In early September, Chad began experiencing pain in his left calf. After several doctor's appointments, he was initially told it was likely a pulled muscle and advised to rest. Despite this, the pain continued to worsen and became debilitating. Chad struggled to walk flat-footed and could not stand or walk for long periods. Still, true to his character, he pushed through — continuing to show up at the fire hall, attend events with friends, and help care for their granddaughter.

As the pain intensified and began affecting his foot, his family pushed for further answers. After three medical appointments in one day, Chad was sent home with a boot on his left leg. However, the night before his next appointment, his foot had changed color and was ice cold, prompting an immediate trip to the emergency room. At Lewistown Hospital, emergency staff discovered four aneurysms — two large aneurysms in his left leg were blocking blood flow to part of his calf and foot.

Chad was immediately transported to Danville. After a week of stabilization, he underwent an extensive bypass surgery on his left leg using his own veins to restore blood flow. The surgery was a success, and focus shifted to addressing a large aneurysm in his right leg. A second bypass surgery was performed on December 26. Initially the surgery appeared successful, but complications soon followed — the incision site became infected, requiring multiple additional surgeries.

Over the next several days, Chad underwent multiple procedures to clean the infected area. After the third procedure, doctors placed a wound vacuum, and his condition finally began to improve. Chad has since returned home and will require the wound VAC for an estimated 8 to 12 weeks, with home nursing visits three times a week. Despite everything, Chad is able to walk independently and care for himself with daily activities.

Izzy has a terminal genetic condition known as Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B (Mucopolysaccharidosis III B), a progressive and degenerative disease that affects all body systems and organs. Over the past few years, her condition has advanced significantly. Izzy's mobility has steadily declined, and she has lost the ability to speak, both of which reflect the ongoing progression of the disease. In the coming years, she is expected to require a feeding tube and additional medical interventions.

As Izzy's needs continue to increase, providing physical care has become increasingly challenging for her family and support staff. To ensure her safety, comfort, and quality of life, the family hopes to make necessary home modifications and obtain specialized equipment, some of which is not covered by insurance.

Izzy also has an older brother, Alex (21), who has the same diagnosis and is further along in the disease progression. In addition, Alex sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2019, which left him bedbound and dependent on a tracheostomy and ventilator. Alex was a CHAMP recipient in 2020.

Renee Hess has been a dedicated educator in the Huntingdon Area School District for nearly 35 years. In 2017, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy along with specialized treatment tailored to her diagnosis, resulting in very favorable outcomes.

In February 2025, Renee noticed a new lump and underwent an ultrasound. At that time, it was identified as fat necrosis by the radiologist, and her oncologist was not immediately concerned. However, during a follow-up appointment in June 2025, her oncologist ordered additional testing for reassurance. A biopsy performed in July 2025 brought unexpected and devastating news — Renee was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time.

She subsequently underwent another invasive surgery, followed by more intensive treatment than her first experience, including chemotherapy and radiation. Following radiation, Renee will continue treatment with oral chemotherapy and hormone-suppressing therapy. Throughout both journeys, Renee has been deeply blessed by the overwhelming support of her community, which has provided strength and encouragement as she continues her recovery.

In September, Greg Pine began experiencing persistent knee pain after injuring it. When the pain failed to improve, he sought medical attention following a trip to Jamaica. On November 4, Greg visited the VA Hospital in Altoona, where X-rays revealed a 10.5 x 4 x 4 cm tumor on his femur, explaining the severe and ongoing pain he had been experiencing.

Greg was subsequently diagnosed with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma and began treatment shortly thereafter. He has recently completed his first round of chemotherapy, which includes cisplatin on the first day and doxorubicin administered over three days, followed by a two-week recovery period. Greg will undergo a total of four chemotherapy cycles, with treatment expected to conclude in mid-March.

While there is no chemotherapy specifically designed for dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, studies suggest that protocols used for osteosarcoma may improve outcomes. Greg's medical team is also conducting genetic testing to explore potential hereditary factors, as there is a family history of sarcoma. He is receiving care through Geisinger Medical Center following a VA referral.

Greg has been deeply moved by the overwhelming support from his community, which has helped reduce anxiety and provide strength during treatment. He credits much of his resilience to his wife, Nichole, whose unwavering support has been a constant source of comfort. Fortunately, Greg is able to receive his chemotherapy treatments locally in Lewistown, with oversight from oncology specialists in Danville.

Daniel "Danny" Whitsel was diagnosed with cancer not long after his daughter, Tara, began her own medical journey. In September, Danny sought care at an urgent care facility for what he believed was a tick bite. While there, he began feeling unwell and was sent to the hospital for further evaluation. Additional testing revealed a mass in his lungs.

Danny was admitted to Penn Highlands Huntingdon for several days before being transferred to UPMC West Shore, where he was diagnosed with stage IV small cell lung cancer. He is currently receiving treatment in Chambersburg.

Throughout treatment, Danny's white blood cell count and platelet levels have continued to decline, resulting in a week-long hospitalization until his numbers recovered to a safe level. While his counts have improved enough for him to return home, he remains at extremely high risk for infection. He has completed four cycles of treatment thus far. A PET scan is scheduled, and if results are favorable, his care team anticipates transitioning him to immunotherapy only. Danny and his family remain hopeful as they navigate this journey.

On Thursday, June 5th, Sarah, Glenn, and their family received every parent's worst news: their four-year-old daughter, Abby, was diagnosed with leukemia. Since then, Abby has already endured a bone marrow biopsy, oxygen support, blood transfusions, and numerous blood draws — often complicated by collapsed veins.

Despite everything, Abby continues to show incredible strength and resilience. Known for her stubborn determination, she has never backed down from a challenge — and that same spirit will carry her through this fight. Abby's journey will include approximately 2.5 years of chemotherapy and many challenges, but she is ready to show leukemia just how tough she truly is.

Lori was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2003 and later with Crohn's disease after years of complications and severe flares. Despite ongoing treatments, her health continued to decline, and in July 2025 she was hospitalized at Hershey Medical Center with gallstones, pancreatitis, and a fistula. She underwent surgery to create a temporary ileostomy, followed by a second, more invasive surgery in October to create a permanent ileostomy and remove a failed J-pouch. Despite complications, the surgery was successful and significantly improved her condition.

During Lori's treatment, her husband Ron was traveling frequently to Hershey for appointments when he began experiencing cardiac symptoms. Testing revealed three serious blockages, requiring open-heart surgery in December 2025. Ron is recovering well and is scheduled to begin cardiac rehabilitation in February 2026.

Lori and Ron are deeply grateful for the prayers, love, and support from their family, friends, church, and community, and remain strong in faith and gratitude throughout this journey.

Todd Norris was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a teenager, a condition that later contributed to his kidney failure. In April 2020, after suffering a logging accident, doctors discovered that one of Todd's kidneys had completely stopped functioning while the other was in stage 4 failure.

After quietly battling kidney disease for years, Todd's condition progressed to stage 5 kidney failure, meaning a transplant or dialysis was necessary for survival. In September 2025, Todd's family began the search for a donor. In recent months, Todd began dialysis treatments 3–4 times a week as he awaited a match.

Then, their prayers were answered — a local woman and family friend selflessly stepped forward, offering Todd the gift of life through organ donation. Todd underwent a successful kidney transplant on January 5. He spent several days recovering in the hospital, followed by two weeks in Pittsburgh where he continues to attend daily post-transplant appointments. Over time, these will transition to weekly, biweekly, and monthly checkups as his recovery progresses. Todd and his family remain deeply grateful, not only to his donor but also to the community and CHAMP for their unwavering support.

Alyssa Starr is a devoted single mother to two beautiful children — Grayson (13) and Ivy (4). In August 2025, Alyssa was initially treated for what doctors believed was a kidney stone. When the medication didn't resolve the issue, she went to the ER, a visit that turned into a 12-day hospital stay filled with tests and uncertainty.

On her 32nd birthday, August 10th, Alyssa received devastating news: she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The cancer had spread to her liver and throughout her bones, making surgery no longer an option.

Since August, Alyssa has been unable to work as she undergoes chemotherapy, completed a 10-day round of radiation to her pelvis, and continues to care for her children. Through it all, she has leaned on her strong faith in God while adjusting to a life-changing journey no one ever expects to face.

Keylan is the son of Alexa and Tyler Smith and was born October 30, 2023. Later that evening, he was transferred to the Danville NICU for breathing difficulties.

Keylan was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, congenital pneumonia, hypoplastic aortic arch, and aortic stenosis, along with a SMAD6 gene mutation linked to aortic stenosis and craniosynostosis.

After his condition worsened, Keylan had a valvuloplasty on December 4 and a g-tube placed on December 18 so he could eat and grow. He was discharged December 21 and will soon undergo craniosynostosis surgery when he is about 4 months old.

In April 2023, Jennifer found a lump that led to a breast cancer diagnosis. A PET scan then revealed stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes and bones.

Her treatment plan now includes oral chemotherapy, daily hormone therapy with monthly injections, and immunotherapy infusions every three months in Pittsburgh.

Because the cancer is in her bones, Jennifer lives with strict physical restrictions. She is supported daily by her service dog, Wellie.

Benton was diagnosed with melanoma in 2021 and later discovered to have Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a genetic mutation that increases cancer risk.

By August 2023, a rapidly growing tumor in his right leg led to a diagnosis of localized osteosarcoma. His treatment requires intensive chemotherapy and hospital stays.

Benton, a Mount Union graduate, has faced setbacks including a collapsed lung and delayed surgery. He has been unable to work while receiving treatment.

Kinley is an 8-year-old second grader who loves softball and gymnastics, but chronic pain has changed everything.

She was diagnosed with Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO), a rare disease that creates painful lesions in her bones and has caused spinal fractures.

Kinley experiences severe flare ups and requires frequent visits to specialty hospitals, creating ongoing travel and medical costs for her family.

Patti was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and her treatment has been complicated by severe reactions to chemotherapy.

After a mastectomy, Patti faced additional complications, including an infection that required hospitalization.

Her care team is still working on the next steps as she continues recovery and treatment.

Gaige is a 2022 Juniata Valley graduate who was diagnosed with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) after a colonoscopy in 2023.

He underwent a 10.5 hour surgery to remove his colon and rectum and now lives with an ostomy bag for at least a year.

Gaige faces ongoing outpatient procedures every few months and lifelong monitoring to prevent future cancers.

Keith suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm on March 14 and remains in intensive recovery after a craniotomy and multiple procedures.

He has received a tracheostomy, feeding tube, shunt, and cranioplasty while doctors work to manage complications from traumatic brain injury.

Keith is a single father. His 13-year-old son and family are navigating this long recovery while facing travel and caregiving burdens.

While visiting the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, Charlotte developed a severe infection and was rushed to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

She was diagnosed with tracheitis, intubated, and placed on a ventilator in the ICU before later developing ICU delirium.

Charlotte is now back in Pennsylvania and continues recovery with pediatric specialists, with a hopeful outlook for full healing.

Sam is a retired truck driver who was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2022 and began radiation and chemotherapy immediately.

After immunotherapy, scans revealed a second, larger tumor in 2023 and he began another round of treatments during the holidays.

Sam has been hospitalized multiple times for complications and is working toward the goal of enjoying time with his family again.

Bobbi carries a breast cancer gene and was diagnosed with an aggressive, triple negative breast cancer in late 2022.

She completed 16 weeks of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by a mastectomy, lymph node removal, hysterectomy, and reconstruction.

Her family continues regular monitoring while she and her partner recover and manage long-term care needs.

Michelle was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in April 2022 and has undergone multiple port surgeries and a colon resection.

Her cancer has spread to her liver and ovaries, requiring a hysterectomy in late 2023 and new chemotherapy in 2024.

She continues to work two jobs while receiving treatment to support her family.