Kindness for Kimberly

Hello, My name is Dianne Fernandes.

For my birthday this year, I am kindly requesting donations no matter how big or small for my life long friend, Kimberly Silliman. Kim has been a single mother her entire life working 2-3 jobs at a time while attending college or working 12-hour days to support herself in her son. Through long days and nights and shear determination, she earned her Masters of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. Over the years, she held the following positions: Worked with Children at St. John’s Lutheran School; Executive Director at Sylvan Learning Center; Academic Dean at Santa Barbara Business College and Senior Program Manager and AMFT Therapist at Ascension Center.

In 2004, Kim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent major surgery. She is one of a very few survivors of this horrific disease. However, due to the severity of the resulting issues with her pancreas, she continues to struggle daily with various and frequently debilitating symptoms. Financially, Kim has fought for years to continue working, living and fighting. However, there have been bouts of time she has been unable to continue to work on a daily basis without time off to rest.

Recently, she began experiencing extreme abdominal pain, digestive issues and complete exhaustion. During review of her physician ordered bloodwork, she noticed things seem strangely off in certain areas. She called and emailed her primary physician leaving multiple messages. Her physician made no communication with her to express any concern. Things soon escalated to the point that she had to be admitted to the emergency room where the doctors diagnosed her with a severe case of sepsis. They immediately began administering highly potent antibiotics. Kim has for the most part, recovered from this case of sepsis however, she has now been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis which is thought to have been the original cause of the sepsis. Additional medical tests, medicines and possibly surgery will be needed.

As a single woman without a solid support system, Kim has been suffering severe depression and anxiety over how she will manage financially. Any and all help with the cost of crucially needed medical tests, medications & medical transportation along with basic needs such as rent & utilities allow her to obtain the medical help she needs and begin recovering over the next few months would be deeply appreciated.

Much love and thanks, 

Dianne Fernandes