Help Valerie with brain surgery bills

Valerie Gaetano and her husband Christian are owners of the popular, Italian restaurant The Lilypad Cafe on Heckscher Drive just south of Amelia Island, FL which they opened in March of 2019. Valerie is always warm and welcoming, and they have won many fans in the local area for both their food and their hospitality. She is the main (often the only) server/hostess/cashier at this small local gem. The food they serve is prepared fresh from scratch daily by Chef Christian himself.

Valerie recently learned that she has a large brain tumor, which will have to be removed. The doctors are 99% certain that it is not cancer, but it is resting on a nerve that affects her balance among other things. It is making work very difficult for her as she is constantly dizzy, but they are hoping to stay open until the end of December. Her surgery is scheduled for January 11th and she will be out of work for at least two months if not more. She will have to pay a large percentage of her hospital bills herself. Recent tests showed that the tumor is as wide as it is long. Surgery will take 6 to 12 hours. Like many other businesses, they had a difficult time during Covid, but they are now facing a much bigger crisis.

When I called to tell her that some of her customers wanted to help, she cried. Valerie is tough, but they have been through a lot. She told me that she loves her customers and doesn’t want them to think they are closing for good. Her goal is to be welcoming guests back as soon as possible. She has an amazing attitude and chooses to focus on the 99% likelihood that the tumor is not malignant.

The restaurant will remain open until the end of the month (by reservation or carryout only). This is their sole source of income, and to close so soon after reopening from Covid will be a true hardship. I have never seen two people work so hard, hands on and with such passion for what they do. I am raising money to help with hospital and other bills, as that is a big source of worry for her. And she hasn’t even gotten to the surgery yet. Valerie and Christian will certainly appreciate your thoughts and prayers, but if you are able to donate any amount, I can assure you it will be much appreciated. Let's help Valerie get back on her feet, healthy and ready to welcome her guests.