Donate to Mindy's Journey of Healing

My name is Valarie, but for the last 30+ years, I’ve been called Wowie by my adopted “sister,” Mindy Milton. From the moment she entered my life, she has been a bright light; those who know her best describe her as charitable, accepting, kind, hard-working, strong, tenacious, quirky, and brave.

Mindy has been through some of the most difficult life events imaginable - the death of her eldest child, Scott, the loss of her chosen sister Terri Ann to breast cancer, and Mindy’s own battle with thyroid cancer come to mind - yet she has managed to continue growing as a person, thriving, despite the grief and trauma. Now, more than ever, those characteristics which make her so endearing and resilient, are being pushed to their limits.

Mindy has recently been diagnosed with Colorectal cancer, and has begun the grueling chemotherapy required to address the tumor causing an almost complete obstruction of her lower intestine. Being a small business owner, Mindy is blessed to have health insurance, but there are coinsurance fees to be paid, and many of the auxiliary treatments required are not covered at all. While she is focusing on treatment, she is unable to work at the business she has built from the ground up, and bills must be paid. As a single mother to three children, one of whom is still in high school, there are never-ending expenses for Mindy to figure out through this time. The magnitude of incoming bills, and lack of physical ability to earn money through cancer treatment is why myself, and those closest to Mindy, are asking for your financial support today.

Choosing a goal amount was difficult, as we don’t really know how expensive the totals will be, but here is just one example expense: $750 for each round of infusions needed between rounds of chemotherapy - we know she will need AT LEAST three rounds at this price, so a minimum of $2250. That is just ONE of the treatments not covered by insurance. Then there are the co-pays taken at each appointment with a physician, of which she has several a month, if not each week. Mindy must keep her home as sterile as possible while her immune system is suppressed, but is not physically able to do so herself; deep cleanings of her home, while modest in size, add up to at least several hundred dollars every month. And as all parents are aware, there is a nigh constant barrage of fees from the school, to support her youngest, Joseph… as well as the grocery bill associated with feeding a growing teenage boy!

Mindy is defined by nothing as much as by her charitable nature; there is always someone living in her home at her expense, she gives to every GoFundMe she is sent, she works tirelessly to provide a healthy working environment to her employees. She offers “Heroes” discounts at her Wellness Center to reflect her gratitude for law enforcement officers, Veterans and active duty military, and all educators - as well as every school employee. Mindy volunteers constantly in her community, and she takes pride in always being a helper.

Now is the time she needs your help, and for her community to give back to her.

If you don’t have the ability to donate money directly via this fundraiser, you can still help! Seek treatment at Mindy’s Massage and Wellness in St. Augustine, and share her business with your network; as reviews reflect, she has built an incredible place of healing and care. I ask you to please share this fundraiser with your network as well. Any amount you are able to give, large or small, is a step towards getting her healthy, and keeping home life stable for Mindy and Joseph.

With deepest gratitude,

Wowie