Rallying Around the Stupka Family

Life can change in an instant, and right now, our friends and neighbors Joel and Kat are navigating a season they never could have imagined. Joel recently turned 45 and has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer. He has now completed his second week of chemotherapy and is facing the demanding weeks of treatment ahead with the love and support of his family beside him. At the same time, life in their household isn’t slowing down. Kat is currently carrying a surrogate baby and is due at the beginning of October. Their daughter, Vex, is about to begin her senior year of high school—a year that should be filled with milestones, memories, and excitement—and their son, Everett, is in grade school. Their families are states away. It’s a lot for one family to carry at once. So this is where their village comes in. One of the most meaningful things we can do for Joel and Kat right now is help take some of the ordinary responsibilities of life off their plates, giving them more time and energy for treatment, recovery, their children, and one another. This page is a place for friends, neighbors, family, and community members to coordinate that support. Whether it’s providing a meal, helping with an errand, lending a hand with something around the house, or simply reminding this family that they are surrounded by people who care about them, every act of kindness matters. There is no single person who needs to do something enormous. Instead, we can do something powerful together: each carry a small piece of the load. Joel, Kat, Vex, and Everett have a long road in front of them, but they don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s surround this wonderful family with practical help, encouragement, good food, and a whole lot of love. ❤️