Help Chris Kick Cancer's Butt

08/21/2025

Immunotherapy #11 today and we’re just rollin’ right along! 💫 Last CT scan showed the mass is shrinking, so we’re staying the course.
Next stop: Toronto for another scan at the end of September.

He’s been handling treatment like a champ, just a few aches and pains here and ther, and we’ve been making the most of this beautiful summer with lots of hikes and fresh air.

05/09/2025

Chris is cell-abrating after Immunotherapy infusion number six today✨😄

04/16/2025

We have some good news to share! 😄
Chris’ latest CEA levels are looking great, which means the immunotherapy is doing what it’s supposed to—go science!! 💪🧪✨

Over the next few weeks, Chris will be going through more tests to get a clearer picture of what’s next.
Depending on all that, we will determine whether surgery is on the table (pun slightly intended).

Thank you all for being in our corner. 💕 Your messages, support, and love mean everything.
We’ll keep you in the loop as things unfold!

01/23/2025

Time for a semi-irregular update on my journey!
My doctors have decided that chemo is so last year, and I’ve recently started immunotherapy — quite cutting-edge in the medical world. Apparently, I have a rather specific kind of tumor that is more resistant to chemo but quite susceptible to immunotherapy.
The side effects so far have been much more manageable, making it harder to pull off lounging around all day!

The plan for the next 2–3 months includes immunotherapy infusions here in Thunder Bay, along with periodic scans at Sunnybrook in Toronto.

01/07/2025

Chris is taking a quick flight to Toronto today to get poked and prodded, because who doesn't love a good medical adventure?
We are headed to the Odette Cancer at Sunnybrook for a CT scan and blood work.
We're super grateful for the support and expertise of his medical teams and for your encouragement. We'll keep you updated!

12/06/2024

Another chemo day is in the books, and we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the amazing cancer care team at TBRHSC. A huge thank you to Dr. Del Paggio for not only his medical expertise but also his willingness to dive into a 15-minute conversation about The Beatles and their solo careers—truly a highlight of the day. Shoutout to the wonderful nurses and the volunteers who keep the coffee flowing and the Oreos stocked. I may be single-handedly responsible for "destocking" those Oreos (if that’s even a word). Lastly, a nod to the taxpayers of Ontario — about 0.000000000000000000001% of your taxes went toward the Oreos I’ve enjoyed. Thank you all!

11/25/2024

Hi everyone,

The response to this has been overwhelming in the best way, and I truly don’t know what to say. Your generous gifts are going to make an incredible impact on Cheryl and me.

The heartfelt messages I’ve been receiving from so many of you have touched me deeply. If I haven’t replied to yours yet, please know I’m not dodging you - I swear! The kindness and support you’ve shown have helped lift so much fog from our future - moving from the Grand Banks, Newfoundland to Ottawa (I googled most/least foggy places in Canada).

You’ve all been there for me, and I want you to know I’ll be there for you if you ever need it. Just please remember where my actual skills lie! For example, I’d build an absolutely terrible deck, but if you need the present value of future cash flows, I’m your guy. That said, if a lopsided deck is what your heart desires, I’ll still give it my best shot.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart (and, interestingly enough, from the heart of my bottom too).

Gratefully yours,
Chris

11/21/2024

Wow! Just wow.

In less than 24 hours, we’ve reached over 50% of our goal, and we are absolutely blown away by the love and support pouring in. You’ve not only shown up—you’ve shown us what an incredible community we have.

To everyone who has donated, shared, or sent kind words—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The outpouring of generosity and love has left us speechless (Chris, speechless?!). We’re so grateful for each and every one of you.

11/21/2024

Hi friends, family, and community!
Chris has been diagnosed with colon cancer, and while he’s tackling it with his signature humor and resilience, this journey comes with challenges— medical care, treatments, time off work, and those not-so-great hospital meals.
We’ve created this page to rally support for Chris. Whether it’s through our GoFundMe, help with meals, or well wishes and encouragement, every bit of support helps!
🔗 bit.ly/chriskicksass
Thank you for being part of this fight and helping us kick cancer’s butt!✨

Chris is a guy who lights up every room he enters. Whether he’s cracking a cheeky joke … Cheryl Leinonen needs your support for Help Chris Kick Cancer's Butt!

11/21/2024