Help Hez Recover from Brain Surgery

Every town is made up of people and places for those people to go. Some towns are faster, louder and busier than others. Here in St.Mary’s County we like to take things a little slower and get to know the people who give our community it’s own unique Southern Maryland charm. Our hometown is filled with the type of people who get to know each other; people who can not only weather a storm but heroically rebuild together once that storm has passed.

Now, one of St. Mary's County’s most beloved and well-known community members is facing a battle no one could have seen coming and she needs our help. Heather Stillman, lovingly known as “Hez”, is probably most known from her 24 years of service at St.James Store & Deli. As the store changed over the years one thing remained the same, you knew Heather was going to be there to take your order with a great big smile and a ”Heeey”. It’s not uncommon for your 5 minute stop-in for your morning coffee or your afternoon slice of Pizza to turn into a 15 minute catch up with Hez. You may even end-up ordering a sub or two just to hang out with her a little longer. Even when she’s busy working hard she makes time for her patrons. Heather is the type of person that people feel almost compelled to open-up to. Perhaps it’s because with no judgment she will listen, lift your spirits and somehow reassure you that everything will be ok as she sends you back out into the world with your bag of treasures and a slightly lighter load on your heart. Now is our opportunity to be able to return that favor.

On Monday, September 26, 2022 Heather was sent to Georgetown Hospital where they discovered that she had a brain tumor. By Friday, September 30 she had it surgically removed. Obviously this is a shock to everyone, especially for Heather and her family. The last thing we want them to worry about is paying bills while she works toward recovery. And so today we ask you to pay it forward. For every person who has had the pleasure of meeting Heather and for everyone who knows someone like her, we humbly ask for your donation.

She is a pillar of happiness in our community and it’s up to us to give her hope… hope and faith are what we are asking you to give today. Hope that afterward we may just be able to pick some Blue Crabs while laughing and reminiscing as we watch the sunset over the Chesapeake, enjoying the smells of salt water and bonfire as they meld together in the Eastern Shore breeze. Faith that the lord and her community will see her through these troubling times. “We all need somebody to lean on.” Let’s help her carry this load as best we can.

Any donation is greatly appreciated. All money will go straight to Heather Stillman. Thank you and God Bless.