Sisters-in-law unite to support brother-in-law fighting cancer and tumors

SOUTH BELOIT, Ill (WTVO) — Two sisters-in-law are doing whatever they can to help their brother-in-law, Dan Skidmore, who was diagnosed with cancer and brain tumors.

“I truly think he’s been like a point of light for us; his courage, his strength have been amazing,” said Meghan Skidmore.

Those who know him describe Dan as someone who became an inspiration for everyone around him.

“In 2023, around November, Dan was diagnosed with kidney cancer.” Meghan explained, “He had his kidney removed in December of 2023, and it ended up being stage 3.”

After Dan’s diagnosis, he would continue to receive radiation and immunotherapy throughout 2024, ending in January of 2025. But then, around the 4th of July, the family noticed that something seemed off with Dan.

“They started noticing some word-finding issues, some speech struggles.” Meghan continued, “They brought him to the hospital, and they did an MRI, and they found a brain tumor.”

The tumor would end up getting removed later on in July, but for the immediate family, it was, and still is, a difficult time.

“It was devastating, you know? He’s an amazing person, he’s an amazing human. To have that news to him and his family, that are just incredible people, is devastating. I mean, it’s heartbreaking,” says Meghan

Because of his fight, Mellissa Fredrick, Meghan Skidmore and a few others created the Skidmore Strong Facebook page. Dedicated to sharing updates about Dan and his fight with everyone.

“We have people that don’t know him, don’t know us, that have reached out [and] just want to support him in his journey,” says Meghan. “Andre Dawson reached out to him, you know? I mean, some incredible people have reached out to just provide their support and love for him.”

Now, they are putting together the Skidmore Strong Benefit and Trivia night on Labor Day. With all of the proceeds going to Dan and his family to help with expenses. Something that just made sense for the family.

“Getting this event on for them was just something that we both really like,” explained Mellisa, “Let’s give them our all and show them how much they mean to us and this community.”

A GoFundMe for the family can be found HERE