Michael E. Chester was diagnosed in January 2017 with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. Since the diagnosis, he had the unwavering support of his partner in life, Pennie Walters, his four sons, Michael, Jason, Christopher, Ryan, and countless extended family and friends as he waged a ferocious battle, undergoing an unheard of 35 chemotherapy treatments. He found a way to win the war, on his terms. He cheated cancer by leaving this world, not allowing it a vessel to destroy anymore. He was a larger than life figure, squeezing every bit of life out of each moment for the 71 years he lived.
Michael was imbued with a belief that family came first which was echoed by his family. He loved his four sons, their wives, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all his heart. He tried every day to be the pillar of strength for them, as his father had been to him. He taught his boys to face into the wind, be sure of themselves, and never judge a man by anything other than his character. Most of all, he wasn’t afraid to hug or kiss his sons and tell them openly how much he loved them.
This memorial fund is to not to only fund research, eventually finding a cure. It is about Hope. Hope is powerful. Hope is removing the financial distraction, letting the parents focus on providing love and attention their child desperately needs as they wage war on their illness. Hope is having the St. Jude staff provide compassionate care. Hope is funding someone at St Jude to a point where they find a new way to help, or a cure. Your generous donation and loving thoughts are a light of hope to St. Jude children and their families.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It costs a lot for St. Jude to cure a child with cancer using the latest technologies and care. Many families come to St. Jude thinking it's like any other hospital. They expect to pay high fees to get their child the best care. They're overwhelmed with gratitude when they learn St. Jude works to save their child's life for free using world-class care. Because of donations, the price for patient families is $0. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for anything.
From Michael and his family, thank you for your support.