The Inspirational Story Behind
the Chris Coen Cancer Fund

After more than six grueling months of battling one of the most rare and challenging forms of cancer, Chris Coen has finally completed his chemotherapy, been diagnosed as “in remission” and finally has an official target date to return to work. He has come this far by fighting this battle of a lifetime with inspiring strength, courage and an ever-positive attitude.

Still, while the news is so good on so many fronts, this war and its on-going ramifications will rage on for a long time. It will take several more years with a clean bill of health before the doctors will pronounce Chris cured once and for all. It will take even longer for him to recover from the mountain of astronomical medical bills that have been accumulated during this battle -- especially since, like so many Americans, he has no major medical insurance.

For the near-term, Chris continues to deal with the day-to-day expenses of running his household, while he remains the sole breadwinner for his wife and two small children. Unable to work for more than half a year now, he continues to face financial devastation, along with his battle against cancer.

So, yes, there is much to celebrate, but there is also much work to be done. Chris needs our help, and he needs it now. He would be the last person to ask for anyone’s help, but he needs us right now, and we want to be there for him. •
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Chris Coen Cancer Fund

Dear Friends,

As many of you may already know, the first week of January, Chris was diagnosed with cancer. After many weeks of testing and treatments, it was determined that Chris has Stage 4 Burkitt’s Syndrome Lymphoma, an incredibly rare and aggressive cancer, and it has spread to his entire lymph system and showed up in his bone marrow.

Through all of this, Chris has continued to inspire and amaze his friends and family with his strength, toughness and ever positive attitude. He always sounds like he’s smiling -- even when it would appear he has no reason to be -- and he talks about his cancer without rancor or self pity. From Day One, he has been as steady as a rock, and just as stubborn about winning this fight. This is not saying this has been an easy battle. In fact, it has probably been much tougher than Chris would ever let on, but those of us who talk to him on a regular basis can occasionally hear it in his voice.

We are writing to you as friends of Chris’s who, along with many of you, have asked “How can we help? What else can we do?” Most importantly, all of your prayers, phone calls, notes and well wishes have been a tremendous source of support and strength for Chris and his family. These gifts from the heart are the most appreciated.

One of the ‘side effects’ of cancer is that not only does it take your health but it also takes your ability to live and work as you were able to. Like so many Americans, Chris, through no fault of his own, has no health insurance. Chris was laid off and out of work for nearly one year. When he did find gainful employment, it was with a small company that does not offer insurance benefits. With the cancer fight being a full time job at this point, Chris is unable to work, so his business career remains on indefinite hold, while his huge medical bills continue to pile up. Even though he would be the last guy to ask for it, Chris needs our help.

A medical fund has been established at Helping Hands Ministries. This organization is an IRS approved 501-C(3) non-profit that acts a receiver and distributor of charitable gifts for people in need. Through Helping Hands we have created The Chris Coen Medical Fund. This allows financial gifts to go directly towards Chris’s medical and living expenses while he is in treatment. All donations are tax deductible and will not create a tax liability for Chris and Julie.

All donation information is kept confidential and Helping Hands will handle all financial matters and receipt you directly. It is our hope that this will help defray the burdensome costs of not only medical care, but regular household expenses and ease some of this burden for Chris. With no form of income at this point, just buying groceries can be a challenge.

If you feel this is something you would like to help with,
here is how you can give:

Please make all checks payable to:

Helping Hands Ministries, Inc.
In the memo section of your check, please write:
The Chris Coen Medical Fund
Please mail all checks to:
Helping Hands Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 337
Tallulah Falls, Ga. 30573

If you would like to give via credit card, donations can be called in directly at 706-754-6884 or made online at https://www.hhmin.org/make_donation_projects.php and selecting "Medical Projects" from the drop down list and then select Chris’s name from the drop down list.

Some of you may know Chris and his family through the Roswell community. John Coen Sr. was a coach and volunteer and devoted his time and energy to the Roswell youth and community for over 30 years. John Coen Jr., a coach and vice principal at Roswell High School, has had an equal impact on the community and mentoring kids. Chris has followed close behind as a long time youth baseball and football coach, middle school teacher and high school football coach alongside John. Chris later left the coaching ranks to pursue a business career and is once again sharing his strengths and winning attitude with his kids activities in their community and school.

The Roswell community has always been a close and connected one. An ability to ‘show up’ and take care of each other has been a hallmark of this community. Chris and his family have given selflessly to the community for so many years. We believe that by coming together as friends and family around and for Chris we can not only help him out but also pay it forward.

Several of Chris's close friends and family members have joined forces to form a committee to hold fundraising events. The next event is now set for Saturday, August 14 -- The Chris Coen Cancer Fund Victory Celebration, BBQ & Concert -- at Riverside Park in Roswell. If you would like to volunteer to help with these events, or add your name to an email list for notification of these events, please contact any one of us.

Thank you in advance for your precious gift and the blessings of your
prayers and well wishes. Your heartfelt kindness toward Chris and his
family has been overwhelming. Bless you for your hearts and your love for your friend.

Mike Burroughs, Event Planning, Promotion & Entertainment
mikeburroughs1@mac.com

Jennifer Carnahan, Event Planning, Promotion & Caring Bridge
carnahan1@comcast.net

Steve Lasky, Promotion, Sponsorships & BBQ steve.lasky@cygnuspub.com

Cathleen Messina, Treasurer
catsmess@bellsouth.net

David Mitchler, Sponsorships & Donations, On-Site
Event Management
mitchler@att.net

Lynn Howard Morris, Silent Auction & Donations
lhmval@aol.com

Updates will also continue to be posted
at www.caringbridge.org/visit/chriscoen