Christopher Corwin Carson

1976 - 2021

Christopher Corwin Carson

2/29/1976 - 5/15/2021

Christopher Corwin Carson was a leap year baby born on February 29,1976 in Greensboro, NC. but spent his formative years in Shorewood, WI. Just as his beloved grandfather had done before him, Chris graduated from Shorewood High School in 1994 where he successfully played many sports, made lifelong friendships, and (in 1992) met the love of his life, Paula Dueñas, the AFS exchange student from Colombia. Ten years later, she became his wife and mother of their two beautiful children Alex and Sofía.

Chris studied Sociology at Wittenberg University graduating in 1998. During his college years he successfully led the rugby team to a state championship and had the opportunity to live abroad in Spain, becoming fluent in Spanish. Always curious to learn about other cultures, Chris pursued a teaching position in Chile taking this opportunity to travel around the South American continent. Shortly after the events on 9/11, Chris enlisted in the Army and underwent the intense two-year training of the US Army Special Forces Qualification and Selection Course. He was selected, earned his Special Forces Tab, and became a Green Beret in 2004. Immediately following SF graduation, he joined a US Army Special Forces 12-man detachment team located in Ft. Lewis, WA. serving as a Staff Sergeant. During his tours of duty Chris was deployed throughout SE Asia and Iraq. In 2005 his son Alex was born with just enough time for Chris to meet him and head on to war. In 2007 he was honorably discharged. The Carson family of three decided to leave military life and relocate to Asheville, North Carolina to be closer to family. By the time his daughter Sofía was born in 2010, Chris had created and was successfully managing his Real Estate Development company Corwin LLC, and his Real Estate Brokerage Firm AVL Associates.

In 2012, an unexpected bump in his upper right arm proved to become the most challenging situation in his life. For weeks experts struggled to pinpoint the correct cancer diagnosis while Chris' family anxiously waited. Chris was diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma at age 36. The subsequent eight-month chemotherapy treatment, numerous limb-sparing surgeries, month long radiation, innumerable hospital stays, and side effects proved to be tougher than his whole military experience. Undergoing Ewing's Sarcoma treatment is a monumental physical and mental ordeal.

Seeing the crude reality of this orphan pediatric cancer made Chris grow increasingly frustrated. He knew he had to actively do something to help.

In 2014 he created Carson Sarcoma Foundation (http://www.carsonsarcomafoundation.org) where he utilized his exceptional skills to help advance better treatments and serve others who were suffering, just like him. The mission of Carson Sarcoma Foundation is "To fund targeted cancer research focused on increasing survival for those stricken with Orphan Sarcoma Cancers ultimately leading to a cure."

In 2015, Chris had a cancer relapse on his left lung. More surgeries and a second line chemotherapy treatment followed. The Carson Sarcoma Foundation became Chris's only job and purpose in life. Thanks to Chris, CSF is a leading force in the Ewing's Sarcoma world both in the USA and internationally. Chris was the untiring voice for desperate patients, the information bridge between doctors and medical researchers, and the supporter of new approaches to find better treatments to one day, sooner rather than later, eradicate this beast of a pediatric cancer forever. His foundation work and seeing his precious family grow, were the joy in his life. He was grateful for every minute of life granted.

On April 29th, 2021, a week after sharing his joy for receiving clear scans and a fantastic bill of health from his doctors at Cleveland Clinic, Chris decided to pause his CSF afternoon work to go for his daily neighborly walk on a sunny day. He was struck by a car while crossing a street. The injuries sustained were severe. He remained in a coma for two weeks and passed away peacefully, surrounded by the infinite love of his forever wife and his wonderful family, on May 15th.

Chris leaves behind his wife Paula Carson, his children Alex (15) and Sofia (10), his parents Randy and Martha, and his sister Kate. He is sorely missed by his extended family in the US, Colombia, and Spain. The impact he made on the lives of his lifelong friends and the entire Ewing's Sarcoma community is irreplaceable.

We are forever grateful for Chris' immense love, unique sense of humor, his unparallel strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and tireless selfless service to others.

To honor his amazing work and continue the research underway, please consider making contributions to the Carson Sarcoma Foundation. Contributions are 100% directed to research.

please go to:

www.carsonsarcomafoundation.org where you can access the PayPal link, or mail your contribution to:

Carson Sarcoma Foundation

P.O. Box 12212

Asheville, N.C.

28802

Forever heartbroken and proud of our amazing Chris.

"Chris, Gringo, Daddy, Crete"

¡Amo, babe!