Husband and Wife Fighting Cancer Get Dream Vacation
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Chett Birr(COLEMAN, Wisc.) — A Wisconsin husband and wife both battling cancer are getting a much-deserved vacation, thanks to donations from their neighbors and local wrestling teams.
In a few weeks, Chett Birr will drive his parents, Beth and Gary Birr, to a resort in Kissimmee, Florida, for a seven-day vacation.
“They never really took the time or money” to go on vacation before, Chett Birr, 23, told ABC News. “They didn’t really think about vacation for themselves. Thought more for others.”
“Then,” he added, “the doctor bill and just costs of everything kept them held back.”
In 2009, Chett Birr was on the Coleman, Wisconsin, wrestling team when his mother, now 48, was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer.
“The team took it upon themselves to dedicate the season to her,” wrestling coach Kevin Casper said.
Casper is also a cousin to the Birrs, Chett Birr said.
“It was really special. It really helped my mom fight through it,” Chett Birr said. “It wasn’t looking very good for her, but when everyone came together it gave her a reason to stay and keep fighting.”
Two years ago, Gary Birr, now 56, was diagnosed with melanoma.
Both husband and wife have undergone surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Beth Birr is in remission, according to Chett Birr, while Gary Birr started his third round of chemotherapy last week. The couple worked for years at a family concrete business.
When people in the Coleman area learned of the Birrs’ story, friends, family and wrestling teams around the state started to donate.
More than $3,000 has been raised so far.
“A couple wrestling clubs that aren’t even close by donated, which is very nice,” Casper said. “It just goes to show that not only are we competitors…but when it comes down to situations like this…other communities come together to help support those that are wrestling-type families, which is very nice to see.”
The couple is “really grateful for everyone in the community,” Chett Birr said.
The family is still planning what they’ll do on the Florida trip.
“I don’t know if we could do it later on,” Chett Birr said. “It’s now or never.”
“It’s a good chance to go and try to enjoy it,” he added.
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