Chris and Michelle first became involved with Community in 2021 when they made a donation to Community Cancer Institute in memory of Chris’ father, Brian, who passed away from stage four lung cancer. They thought that was the end of their experience with cancer and the institute.
 
Only six months later, Chris was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer. Chris knew he could turn to Community Cancer Institute for treatment and care. After seven weeks of daily radiation and weekly chemo, Chris is now cancer free.
 
“I started this journey by giving back in April 2021 to honor my dad. I had no idea that I would ever get cancer, let alone get cancer six months later. I'm so grateful that someone had the vision to build this facility and that people decided to write a check, betting that we needed this facility as a community,” says Chris.
 
In recognition of the incredible work the Community Cancer Institute does every day, and gratitude for the expert and compassionate care he received, Chris and Michelle decided to give back with a transformational $2.4 million gift.
 
“When we originally fundraised for Community Cancer Institute, we did it to solve a problem. Services were difficult to coordinate and patients were leaving the area for care,” said Katie Zenovich, senior vice president, development and external affairs, and chief fund development officer. “Now we have this state-of-the-art facility with comprehensive cancer services. With Chris and Michelle’s incredible donation, we will be able to provide even better care to the patients in need.”