Help Skip Fight Esophageal Cancer

Hi, my name is Eileen Billinson and along with Bev Liff, we are fundraising to help Sonni and Skip as he wages the battle of his life.

Life is wonderful, surprising and sometimes, scary. On January 30, 2022 after 19 years together, and so many things that delayed their plans to marry, Sonni Cooperman Joyner—who so many of us knew as Jeri Cooperman back in high school—and her sweetheart, Gordon “Skip/Bandit” Holley finally tied the knot. On a day so crisp and beautiful, against the backdrop of the pandemic, they exchanged their vows in a very small ceremony, both smiling ear to ear, holding each other close and looking ahead to a future together. But fast forward barely a week later and Sonni and Skip found themselves shuttling back and forth from their home in South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina for one medical appointment after the other. They were stunned to get the news they had been dreading. Skip was diagnosed with advanced stage esophageal cancer that has already spread to his lymph nodes and his stomach.

Sonni and Skip have always embraced life so fully and were looking ahead to married life together. We are joining together to help them as Skip battles for his life against this horrible disease. This is hardly the honeymoon either would have hoped for. They start their marriage praying for the most precious gift of all—time.

We are arranging this GoFundMe campaign on their behalf to help defray some very basic living expenses and bills, lodging and transportation costs as they begin Skip’s medical treatment. Sonni is driving Skip back and forth for treatment in North Carolina many days each week, and time away from work, while she transports and cares for Skip will be financially challenging. Last week Skip had a port implanted and will soon begin aggressive treatment for advanced esophageal cancer.

We know how serious a battle Skip and Sonni face, and they are ready to face it together. The months ahead will be challenging emotionally and financially. If you can donate to help Skip and Sonni as they battle this disease, please know that donations of any size are so very appreciated. If you are unable to donate, know that your friendship, prayers and notes of kindness are so deeply appreciated and valued. ❤️

Thank you so much for your help.

Eileen Cohen Billinson and Beverly Liff