Help support Coach Rousey’s fight against cancer!

This GoFundMe account was started to help ease the financial burden and help make it possible to  explore all treatment options for a great man who has made a difference to so many people in our community. 

  In October of '19 Chris Rousey was diagnosed with colon cancer after several months of medical issues. Chris is a math teacher and 7th grade football coach at Fulbright Junior High in Bentonville Arkansas.  Chris is truly loved by all- parents, students and coworkers alike. He has had several surgeries already and will undergo chemo every two weeks for the next several months.  After chemo he will begin radiation.  Chris will soon travel to MD Anderson for further testing and evaluation because of the nature of his unique type of cancer. 

During this process, Chris has always had  his students well being at the forefront of his mind.   He has scheduled his chemo on alternating days so that he doesn't miss the same class for every treatment because that is what is best for his students.  Chris was eager to return to the classroom after surgery and, even with the side effects of chemo,  continues to have a smile on his face and be the same Coach Rousey the kids know and love.   This is a true testament to what a great man he is and how lucky we are to have him teaching our children.  Whether a child has had him for a teacher or just knows him through the school, they have all been positively impacted by his infectious personality.   Chris and his partner, Stefanie, are private and humble and really had to consider letting us do this fundraising campaign.  Fortunately they agreed but have pledged to pass on any unused funds to other cancer patients.  Again, a great example of selflessness.  

 I thought, in order to give a better idea of who Chris is,  it would be best to gather a few comments about him from those who know him best.

"an amazing man who's personality is unmatched:: He is always in the halls greeting students between classes, comes to games, concerts and performances to support ALL of his Wolfpack.  He is a wonderful friend and co-worker"

"He is the BEST teacher I have ever had.  He is always smiling and making us laugh"

"We always know Coach Rousey cares about us"

"Chris Rousey is not only an excellent Math teacher but an excellent person. If you walk down the 2nd floor at Fulbright JR High and pass Chris you will always see a smile on his face, you might see him doing a little dance, but what you will definitely hear is a positive word of encouragement to a fellow teacher or student. Chris is the most positive person I have ever been around. I have been through many personal struggles in my years at Fulbright and I can always count on Chris to lift me up, and many mornings even give me a hug and tell me he loves me.  You want to find out how great he is just ask his students. Not only is he excellent at teaching them math skills to be successful, but he is better at helping students realize how great they are. He lifts his students to new heights in math but most importantly as people. Students will become great leaders and feel great about themselves because they have Mr. Rousey to motivate them and help them realize how important they are. He is also unselfish with his time. My son would not have survived math at high school without many after school donated sessions with Chris. He is there for anyone who needs it the most.  For me personally I am a better teacher and person because I work with Chris everyday. 

"Everybody knows Chris Rousey and if you don't, you will.  He's the first one to come across the room, arm extended, to greet you and introduce himself.  In that first greeting, you know you have a friend for life.  He's the one who will tell you if you need anything to please let him know, and this man means it!  Chris will help you move, will check on you when you're having a bad time, find a better route to find your way around town, be at your bedside when you're sick and with that he brings twinkling eyes and laughter. On top of that Chris never expects anything in return.  As a matter of fact, it's down right hard for him to not be the one continuing to do for others even when he's not well. He never complains as he's going through treatment.  He just wants to be at school and be with his Fulbright family.  He loves  and expects great things from his students, and they love him in return. It is a treasured experience to know this man and see or experience every day those arms are extended for a handshake or a hug, there is one incredible human being who makes this world a better place for all of us!"

Seeing him everyday you would never know he has a battle in front of him. He has started a very invasive form of chemotherapy to overcome his cancer diagnosis. What is amazing is that he is still upbeat and positive. He shows up everyday to influence his students and co workers. He amazes me everyday when I see him still standing in the hall and teaching his classes, knowing that inside he has the biggest battle he has ever faced. As someone who has watched my wife continue to struggle with cancer and chemo, I know the rough road he has ahead. It is because of that he needs us to be there for him, to be positive and lift him up through his battle. Anything we can do will help a great man continue to positively influence and inspire students to the great future they deserve."

Please join us in our mission to help ease the burdens of Chris' journey with colon cancer.  You can help make a difference not only by donating but also by passing along the link to the GoFundMe account on social media, directly inviting others to join and by keeping Chris and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you for your support!!