Greetings. My name is Kevin Skinner. I had this website built to:
(1) Give Alex and Alissa a place to share thoughts and updates about the new and daunting chapter in Alex’s 38-year-old life, and
(2) Give you the opportunity to donate to the Clark family during a time that will, as I have learned through my daughter’s battle with cancer, be financially strenuous.
I met Alex just a few short years ago after he transplanted from… not Texas. If you know Alex at all, you will understand how a guy who met him less than 4 years ago finds himself writing an introduction for him. He does not meet a stranger. Period. I’ve always told people I come from a family where you give the shirt off your back for others in need, and I thought that was unique to being south of the Mason-Dixon line. However, Alex has repeatedly disproved this theory as he would go a step further and give the skin off his back. I can shake my head (and I have) at his quirkiness, but I can’t not love him. Always encouraging. To the point of literally giving his life to encourage adolescents as a professional counselor.
The prognosis is heavy. I use that term because even from my perspective, I feel its incredible weight. Stage 4 stomach cancer that has spread to an advanced stage in his liver and abdominal cavity. In medical jargon, gastric adenocarcinoma with metastatic liver disease and peritoneal carcinomatosis. The oncologist’s words were sharp as she spoke. “We can’t cure this, but we hope to buy you some time.”
We believe in a God who has no limitations. He shows his character best by pushing our faith beyond that little mustard seed.
The Clarks have a mountain to climb. No one should climb Everest alone. Having gone through nearly a year-long cancer battle with my daughter last year, I am intimately aware of how much support is necessary. I personally felt the power of prayer during some pretty tough days. They ask for your prayers more than anything. I also ask you to please consider donating to support Alex, Alissa, Aspen, Linden, Shae, and Rowan. They would never ask themselves, but the needs will be great, and I don’t mind asking for them. Thank you for stopping by. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support.
In Christ Alone,
Kevin Skinner
Support the Clarks by giving to their GoFundMe.
This is a post Alissa posted yesterday on social media. I know not all of you use Facebook, so I wanted to pass along the message. The family is working to finalize a date and time for a Celebration of Life service. We will send out details as soon as they are set. If...
An update from Alissa Hello! I wanted to hop on here and give y’all an update and more ways you can pray! We’ve made a huge decision this week and wanted to share with you! We have decided to walk away from chemo and pursue alternative treatments. If you’ve...
3 weeks ago we walked into this hospital and were told the worst news we’ve ever heard. Stage 4 gastric cancer with no cure, just hoping to extend life…hopefully up to 24 months. Yesterday, we walked out and got to go home. But instead of despair, we both feel...
Wow, God is good, and we can see your prayers being answered! Alex’s second round started rocky as he was experiencing a lot of nausea, but yesterday afternoon, that stopped, and he had an appetite! He’s had a few bites of real foo,d and it’s settled well—the first...
Hi! Seeing the sign-up for Alex's Prayer Train fill up within hours has been incredible. Over 120 people agreed and committed to pray for Alex in 30-minute shifts for the duration of this round of chemo. Alex got a fresh haircut from Joe (his BIL) this week, and looks...
An update from Joe (Alex's brother-in-law). It's Christmas Eve and in the midst of everything, we can't help but pause and be overwhelmed with the gift of Jesus - Emmanuel, God with us. This is why we celebrate Christmas. Alex is gearing up for his 2nd round round of...
First, I want to acknowledge all of the outpouring of love, prayers, kindness, giving, and just love of every form that we’ve received as a family, the things that people have done for me, my wife, and my kids during this time has meant more to me than anyone can ever...
Alissa's post - I’ve been so hesitant to post because it feels like we take one step forward (Monday’s news) and then take 3 steps backwards. But family & friends are encouraging me to continue to post even in those hard moments so you all know how to pray...
Hey guys, I wanted to update you on some specific things you have prayed for. Today, there were multiple answered prayers! They removed Alex's NG tube, and he was able to eat a little bit of food without pain!! He didn't need pain meds today! Pain is decreasing! His...
"As one would expect, this will be a rollercoaster of a battle. We were elated to see Alex perk up yesterday, feel no pain, and have a clear mind. The day was filled with laughter as I saw my husband peeking through. I had so much joy, and it was so much needed. God...