Help Mom Fulfill Her Final Wish; a Family Journey Home

Eileen Trenkler is organizing this fundraiser.

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**Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Strangers,**

We are reaching out to you on behalf of our beloved Shelley, a woman whose life has been defined by giving love and compassion to those closest to her. For years, Shelley has battled cancer with extraordinary courage and resilience, enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

Shelley, our mother, was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. The cancer has metastasized to her stomach, bladder, chest, and lungs. Shelley has a large tumor on her xiphoid (on her chest) that, despite the doctors’ best efforts, could not be drained due to the risk of it not healing. Over the past six years, Shelley and her life partner of 31 years, Richie, have carefully managed her condition. With Shelley undergoing intermittent chemotherapy that has taken a severe toll on her immune system. This has meant that they have had to make sacrifices—no pets, limited contact with their grandchildren, and consequently, limited time with their own children.

Recently, the tumor in Shelley’s chest ruptured. Now, Richie must drain fluid from the cancerous mass each day—a heartbreaking task that speaks to the severity of her condition. The doctors have recommended Shelley not do another round of chemotherapy, as it would no longer be effective and do more harm than help at this stage. They now know a cure is out of reach, and time is running out. Shelley is nearing the end of her life, at just 61, and she has one final wish she hopes to fulfill. This is why we are reaching out to you.

Shelley’s last wish is to return home to California, a place she hasn’t visited in over 30 years, and to bring her children with her. She wants them to see where she came from, to understand the roots that shaped the woman who has loved and nurtured them all their lives. This trip is more than a journey—it is a legacy, a chance for Shelley to share her story with her sons and to spend precious, uninterrupted time with them and her grandchildren before time slips away.

Now is the moment, before she becomes too ill. Shelley and Richie are also facing the looming costs of hospice care and funeral expenses, something they have struggled to save for over the past seven years. Richie has exhausted all his sick leave caring for Shelley, who, of course, is unable to work.

Your donations will directly support the costs of Shelley’s end of life care, allow Richie to take the time off work he needs to be by her side, and help fulfill Shelley’s dream of taking her family on one final, meaningful journey.

Shelley is one of the most generous souls you could ever meet. Despite having little, she has always given to others, often leaving herself with nothing. Now, it’s our turn to give back to her. Please, help us fulfill this incredible woman’s final wish. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a profound difference and will be deeply appreciated.

Right now, the trip is planned for Shelley and Richie to take their three sons and seven grandchildren on a memorable journey to California for a 7-night stay. This trip is about creating lasting memories—an opportunity for Shelley to spend precious time with her family, and say goodbye. With your support, we can help make this final wish come true. Every donation, big or small, will go directly towards making this once-in-a-lifetime trip a reality for Shelley and her loved ones. Below you’ll find the budget for the trip

Category Estimated Cost

RV Rental (w/ Mileage) $4,200

Fuel $2,600

Food $2,500

Lodging (Hotels) $1,000

Campgrounds (7 Days) $700

Entertainment $2,000

Miscellaneous $300

Total,$13,300

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity and support.

Right now, the trip is planned for Shelley and Richie to take their three sons and seven grandchildren on a memorable journey to California for a 7-night stay. This trip is about creating lasting memories—an opportunity for Shelley to spend precious time with her family. With your support, we can help make this final wish come true. Every donation, big or small, will go directly towards making this once-in-a-lifetime trip a reality for Shelley and her loved ones.