CALEDONIA, Mich.– He’s a teacher, coach, foster parent and cancer survivor. But now, Kraft Meadows Middle School teacher, Chris Hinshaw, is battling melanoma for the second time.
With the support of his coworkers and the organization Women’s Life, they’ll hold a pancake breakfast to raise money to help pay his medical bills, Saturday, March 23rd. It will be held from 9 am to noon, at Kraft Meadows Middle School, located at 9230 Kraft Avenue SW, in Caledonia.
Chris recently left his students to go on medical leave so he can receive treatment.
“Mr. Henshaw discussed it with them before his leave,” said Principal, Cary Stamas. “We sent a letter home to parents as well to help give them points to talk about with their children and what they’re going through.”
Kecia Ballantyne is helping host the breakfast. Chris doubled as both her son’s teacher and track coach last year.
“He was very kind to all the boys and girls who were running and supportive to those who may not have been that fast,” said Ballantyne. She works with Women’s Life, an organization with several chapters that helps struggling, local families.
“I know my son enjoyed him and when they all heard about this, they wanted to help us and join us and have their families come.”
“The success in the past is what’s nice to be able to say he’s gone through it before, we’ve all been through it with him before. We know he can do it again,” added Stamas.
There will be pancakes for about a thousand people.
The staff said Chris’s treatment is working. He hopes to be back to school after spring break.
If you can’t make it out to the fundraiser, the school is accepting donations. Checks can be made to Women’s Life and be dropped off at the school’s front office.
6 Comments to “Pancake Breakfast for Teacher Fighting Cancer a Second Time”
March 23, 2013 at 8:15 PM
What great support for the Hinshaw Family!! Chris was my own kids' teacher, and I have worked with Gina, his wife, teaching summer school. We also got the opportunity to work with the Hinshaw's as youth group leaders years ago, and I so appreciate their faith, their commitment to kids, and their compassion for others. Thank you to all who held this event and worked with such servant-hearts! You are the best of our great community!!
March 25, 2013 at 9:20 PM
God has been working in their lives. Chris has a lot of love for the foster children that they are raising.
Pa & Grandma
March 25, 2013 at 10:27 PM
Chris was my son's teacher a few years ago. My son is on the autism spectrum and presented a challenge in the classroom at times but Chris was always so supportive and encouraging. He believed in my son's potential and that meant so much to him and to us as parents. Gina was my other son's tutor in the summer a few years ago. They both have supported our family in some big ways and now it's OUR turn to support them! Chris and Gina, we care so much about you guys and we will continue to pray for you every day until Chris' health is fully restored! God bless!
March 29, 2013 at 12:36 AM
I met Chris and Gina,, last spring when they were spreading kindness to the homeless down in Heartside. They a truly wonderful people, and I can say that they were a postie spot in some of my lowest times. They give in so many ways and ask for nothing back. Chris, you are in my prayers daily.
April 2, 2013 at 4:03 PM
They are some AMAZING people who love God…when you think of self-less love, they are thee example!
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