Chris

On September 17th, 2005, Chris had a seizure.  He had been experiencing bad headaches and trouble with his vision for a while; on the day of his seizure he was taken to Denver Health, where an MRI revealed that he had a large tumor in the middle of his brain.   Further tests showed Chris had a Pinealblastoma, a type of brain tumor primarily found in infants aged 2 to 3 years old.  He was 22 at the time.

Due to the nature of the tumor, Chris was transferred to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where there was a great deal more experience in treating this type of cancer.  He was transferred on October 23rd, 2005, and he made an immediate connection with the staff!   In fact, he would tell the story about one of his night nurses, Heath, who would always bring Chris all the Apple Jacks he could eat!  Chris started chemotherapy treatments and immediately felt better.  He considered himself very lucky as he did not suffer much from nausea and vomiting ; most people get much sicker with these treatments.

After completion of his treatments, Chris worked hard to make up missed schooling and to take a firm grasp on his life.  He met and married Sofia, and they added a new baby girl to their family.

In 2009 Chris’s tumor returned, and after more chemotherapy and multiple hospital stays,  he ultimately succumbed to his cancer in late January 2010.

Chirs had a passion for life, for family and a deep commitment to always finding the good in everything. We remember and cherish his unfailing optimism, his determination and his warm, loving, gentle ways.