Donate to Assist Gale Wilson in Her Time of Need

For more than three decades, Gale Wilson has filled the Fairfield Mountains Chapel with the gift of her music. As the chapel's devoted pianist for 33 years, Gale’s hands have brought comfort, inspiration, and joy to countless services, weddings, funerals, and community gatherings. Her music has been the gentle heartbeat of our mountain community — a quiet, steadfast presence of grace.

Gale was married for 16 years and sadly, her husband had a car accident which left him disabled. She cared for him in their home for 12 years until his tragic passing in 2014. Chad was self-employed and in his 30s, so she received no benefits after his passing. She worked 2-3 additional paying jobs during and since this time. Unfortunately, she was terminated from her second job earlier this year due to her illness. She was not eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits because she was working part-time.

In addition to her paid work experience, Gale has 17 years of voluntary service as the pianist for the Symphony of Rutherford County. Her last concert was the 2024 Christmas concert. She served as the Director of Music and as a musician for the Rutherford County Arts Council for three productions from 2022-2024. Her last performance was the Fall 2024 production.

Gale continues to serve as President of PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) of Rutherford County, where she has volunteered for 11 years. She works with a team of volunteers to help owners keep their pets by offering lifesaving spay/neuter services, veterinary care, and rehoming when needed.

Today, Gale is facing a deeply personal battle. She has been diagnosed with two very rare and debilitating autoimmune diseases, Necrotizing Myopathy and Dermatomyositis. She is awaiting results from additional tests to clarify any additional diagnosis. The current autoimmune diseases that she has are attacking her muscles, leaving her unable to walk without assistance; unable to drive; and most heartbreakingly, unable to play the piano for more than short moments at a time. Tasks that were once second nature, like lifting her hands to play a hymn, or walking into her beloved chapel — have become daily challenges.

Gale’s illness has not only stolen her mobility, but also her independence and the very form of expression that has defined her life. And yet, she remains hopeful, and her strong faith is helping her cope during this ordeal.

We are asking for your help to support Gale during this difficult time. Funds raised will go toward paying her home mortgage, house bills, medications, life alert system, critical home repairs, and transportation support. With your help, Gale can regain some of the independence she has lost — and, one day, return to the music she loves.