Community Rallies To Support Guilford Resident With Cancer

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford community is rallying to support a resident with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was recently created by Bryan Abernathy in support of his uncle, Chris Abernathy, and his wife, Stacey.

Chris was diagnosed several weeks ago, according to Bryan, who told Patch Chris has been involved in property managing, contracting and maintenance in and around Branford for over 30 years.

"Our family is heartbroken to share that Chris has been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer that has spread to his liver. What began as severe abdominal pain quickly turned into a life-changing diagnosis. Chris is preparing to begin chemotherapy, and Stacey will be by his side as they face this fight together. While Chris is determined to keep fighting, we are also being realistic about the difficult road ahead," the fundraiser's description says.

Money raised will go towards medical treatment and related expenses, costs associated with care, and essential household bills and daily living expenses since Chris will likely be unable to work once chemotherapy starts.

As of Friday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised around $9,000.

"If you know Chris, you know he has never been someone to ask for help. He has always worked hard, even while living on disability, continuing to manage properties to help make ends meet. He has quietly carried his responsibilities without complaint and has always shown up for the people he loves," the fundraiser's description says.

"Chris is the kind of person who is always there when someone needs help. Whether offering support, lending a hand, or simply bringing a much-needed laugh during hard times, he has always been someone others could count on."

Chris first came to Guilford in the early 1990s, then returned in 2001 and has remained a resident in town ever since.

View the GoFundMe fundraiser here.