Help An Angel Fight For Her Life
Donation protected
Dear friends and friends of friends,
It is with a heart filled with gratitude and hope that I find myself writing on this glorious winters day.
My name is Denise, but it is my friend and sister in Christ, Teresa Riker Conrad, whom I would like for you all to meet today . . .
It hasn’t been six months since our beautiful Teresa was unexpectedly admitted to hospital due to mysterious and excruciating pain.
At the time, her diagnosis included gall stones, a blood clot in her liver, and a large tumor located near her portal vein in her liver. The following month, Teresa’s gall bladder was removed and said tumor was biopsied, ultimately revealing the diagnosis of an inoperable form of cancer called Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Stage IIIB (aka Bile Duct Cancer).
Why the gratitude, one might ask?
My appreciation stems from our gracious Father in Heaven, a Father who continues to generously bless us with extraordinary days and priceless moments with Teresa.
One need only catch a glimpse of her life over the last few decades to recognize my appreciation as a shared sentiment with countless others. Whether crossing paths with her at the grocer or having been mentored by her during her decades-long work in youth, high school, college or woman’s ministry, I can attest, gratitude is one of the first words to come to mind at mere mention of her name.
Despite alternating between the confines of home and hospital, I have it under good authority, Teresa continues to find any opportunity she can to share the Gospel, continuing to minister any chance she gets. This lady will fight for your soul all whilst fighting for her life.
Teresa has “life” written all over her, and not a dying world, nor grim prognosis stands a chance against the light that burns within this jewel of a woman.
Yet, unfortunately, Teresa has been unable to continue contributing financially to her household, as since the journey from diagnosis to treatment began, her health no longer provides her that luxury and has continued on a path of decline.
As one might expect, and despite their constant faith in the Lord, both she and husband, Steve find themselves becoming overwhelmed and all too quickly stretched beyond their means in every way imaginable. Namely, emotionally and financially. Sadly, sometimes those things just go hand in hand, which is why this is not only a financial fundraiser, but one also in request of prayer and encouragement.
It wasn’t but a few days ago that Teresa was rushed to hospital, in grave need of having a sudden onset of internal bleeding becalmed. The bleeding was a dangerous side affect caused by medication meant to help her condition (turning into a four-day hospital stay, instead).
As one can only imagine, the time off of work, medications, treatment, travel expenses, etc, have taken a massive financial toll on this wonderful family.
Hence, my HOPE. ♥️ (Because my prayer is my hope and my hope is my prayer).
My hope today is that every pair of eyes that reads this, makes also the choice to give in whatever capacity they are able. From a quick prayer to a small financial gift— each is equally valued and appreciated by Teresa and her loved ones.
May ninth of this year marks the 25th anniversary of Teresa and Steve’s wedding nuptials. In my opinion, that’s quite the accomplishment warranting celebration! It is my hope, that not only will Teresa be up for celebrating, but that they also have the means and the strength for a well deserved night out on the town . . . Cheers to you both, Mr. & Mrs. Conrad!
Please join me now in giving to Teresa, one of the true superheroes of our day. Together, we can help this gem of a woman mend her cape!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you today with gratitude in my heart for my sister in You, Teresa. I ask that you please ease any pain or discomfort she may be having at this time and that you carry her in your loving arms through the treatments that lie ahead.
Please surround her with your love and with the strength of your Church. I ask that you help us come together to find ways to ease any of her and her family’s burden, whether financial, physical or emotional.
Please carry and nurture Steve, as well her children, Michael and Meghan, giving them the health and strength required at this time as they support their wife and mother.
In Jesus’s name, I pray,
Amen
*To all willing and able to contribute via prayer or financially, I offer my warmest gratitude. The Conrad’s are a family who have no idea what it’s like to walk without faith or happen upon a person in need without giving. I’m sure we can all agree, it is surely their season to receive.
**Teresa will begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy next week. If you would like to send a prayer or personal note, I encourage you to do so. Private messages for the family can be sent to me at the email address below. I will personally ensure the Conrad’s receive each and every one. ♥️
[email redacted]
***Please visit below for regular updates regarding Teresa’s progress as she finds her way back to health. Thank you all, in advance, for your loving support!
↘️UPDATES:
February 23, 2023
At present, Teresa is receiving 8 units of healthy blood. We expect she return home this evening one step closer to health and recovery. Thank you so much to all that have donated, thus far, each and every one of you remain part of the miracle we’ve been praying for!
February 24, 2023
Today, Teresa isn’t feeling well at all and she has begun to question if she even has the strength to follow through with her chemotherapy tomorrow. As she rests up today, allowing the new blood to to replenish her body, I’d like to request that all my vigilant prayer warriors keep her in theirs. Also, Please consider adding Teresa to a prayer list today!
February 25, 2023
Today has been a good day! To think it was just last night I was writing something about Teresa feeling she may not have it in her to do the chemo today!!!
I can only guess that a few of our friends here lifted Teresa up in prayer, due to the fact that, as Teresa was finishing her third bag of chemo this afternoon, my sister, Lynette, received a text from her Little Pilgrim (her nickname for Teresa), expressing her desire for a cheeseburger when she was through.
This is HUGE, considering the only thing she’s been able to choke down the last few days have been my sisters baked goods. Baby steps.
Thank you all for all the prayer, encouraging words and oh-so-generous financial donations. I sit here in awe…our God is an awesome God!!
It is with a heart filled with gratitude and hope that I find myself writing on this glorious winters day.
My name is Denise, but it is my friend and sister in Christ, Teresa Riker Conrad, whom I would like for you all to meet today . . .
It hasn’t been six months since our beautiful Teresa was unexpectedly admitted to hospital due to mysterious and excruciating pain.
At the time, her diagnosis included gall stones, a blood clot in her liver, and a large tumor located near her portal vein in her liver. The following month, Teresa’s gall bladder was removed and said tumor was biopsied, ultimately revealing the diagnosis of an inoperable form of cancer called Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Stage IIIB (aka Bile Duct Cancer).
Why the gratitude, one might ask?
My appreciation stems from our gracious Father in Heaven, a Father who continues to generously bless us with extraordinary days and priceless moments with Teresa.
One need only catch a glimpse of her life over the last few decades to recognize my appreciation as a shared sentiment with countless others. Whether crossing paths with her at the grocer or having been mentored by her during her decades-long work in youth, high school, college or woman’s ministry, I can attest, gratitude is one of the first words to come to mind at mere mention of her name.
Despite alternating between the confines of home and hospital, I have it under good authority, Teresa continues to find any opportunity she can to share the Gospel, continuing to minister any chance she gets. This lady will fight for your soul all whilst fighting for her life.
Teresa has “life” written all over her, and not a dying world, nor grim prognosis stands a chance against the light that burns within this jewel of a woman.
Yet, unfortunately, Teresa has been unable to continue contributing financially to her household, as since the journey from diagnosis to treatment began, her health no longer provides her that luxury and has continued on a path of decline.
As one might expect, and despite their constant faith in the Lord, both she and husband, Steve find themselves becoming overwhelmed and all too quickly stretched beyond their means in every way imaginable. Namely, emotionally and financially. Sadly, sometimes those things just go hand in hand, which is why this is not only a financial fundraiser, but one also in request of prayer and encouragement.
It wasn’t but a few days ago that Teresa was rushed to hospital, in grave need of having a sudden onset of internal bleeding becalmed. The bleeding was a dangerous side affect caused by medication meant to help her condition (turning into a four-day hospital stay, instead).
As one can only imagine, the time off of work, medications, treatment, travel expenses, etc, have taken a massive financial toll on this wonderful family.
Hence, my HOPE. ♥️ (Because my prayer is my hope and my hope is my prayer).
My hope today is that every pair of eyes that reads this, makes also the choice to give in whatever capacity they are able. From a quick prayer to a small financial gift— each is equally valued and appreciated by Teresa and her loved ones.
May ninth of this year marks the 25th anniversary of Teresa and Steve’s wedding nuptials. In my opinion, that’s quite the accomplishment warranting celebration! It is my hope, that not only will Teresa be up for celebrating, but that they also have the means and the strength for a well deserved night out on the town . . . Cheers to you both, Mr. & Mrs. Conrad!
Please join me now in giving to Teresa, one of the true superheroes of our day. Together, we can help this gem of a woman mend her cape!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you today with gratitude in my heart for my sister in You, Teresa. I ask that you please ease any pain or discomfort she may be having at this time and that you carry her in your loving arms through the treatments that lie ahead.
Please surround her with your love and with the strength of your Church. I ask that you help us come together to find ways to ease any of her and her family’s burden, whether financial, physical or emotional.
Please carry and nurture Steve, as well her children, Michael and Meghan, giving them the health and strength required at this time as they support their wife and mother.
In Jesus’s name, I pray,
Amen
*To all willing and able to contribute via prayer or financially, I offer my warmest gratitude. The Conrad’s are a family who have no idea what it’s like to walk without faith or happen upon a person in need without giving. I’m sure we can all agree, it is surely their season to receive.
**Teresa will begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy next week. If you would like to send a prayer or personal note, I encourage you to do so. Private messages for the family can be sent to me at the email address below. I will personally ensure the Conrad’s receive each and every one. ♥️
[email redacted]
***Please visit below for regular updates regarding Teresa’s progress as she finds her way back to health. Thank you all, in advance, for your loving support!
↘️UPDATES:
February 23, 2023
At present, Teresa is receiving 8 units of healthy blood. We expect she return home this evening one step closer to health and recovery. Thank you so much to all that have donated, thus far, each and every one of you remain part of the miracle we’ve been praying for!
February 24, 2023
Today, Teresa isn’t feeling well at all and she has begun to question if she even has the strength to follow through with her chemotherapy tomorrow. As she rests up today, allowing the new blood to to replenish her body, I’d like to request that all my vigilant prayer warriors keep her in theirs. Also, Please consider adding Teresa to a prayer list today!
February 25, 2023
Today has been a good day! To think it was just last night I was writing something about Teresa feeling she may not have it in her to do the chemo today!!!
I can only guess that a few of our friends here lifted Teresa up in prayer, due to the fact that, as Teresa was finishing her third bag of chemo this afternoon, my sister, Lynette, received a text from her Little Pilgrim (her nickname for Teresa), expressing her desire for a cheeseburger when she was through.
This is HUGE, considering the only thing she’s been able to choke down the last few days have been my sisters baked goods. Baby steps.
Thank you all for all the prayer, encouraging words and oh-so-generous financial donations. I sit here in awe…our God is an awesome God!!
Co-organizers (2)
Denise Taylor
Organizer
Baton Rouge, LA
Steven Conrad
Beneficiary
Lynette Rosati
Co-organizer