Hello, my name is Sheila, and I am reaching out with one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write. I have been diagnosed with Stage III Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) — a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.

My journey began in late July 2025. After a week of daily nausea, upper abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of my eyes and dark urine), my husband rushed me to the ER in Kerrville, Texas. Tests revealed a stricture in my bile duct causing bile to back up into my liver.

I was transferred by ambulance to Methodist Main Hospital in San Antonio, where a stent was placed to clear the blockage. A biopsy was taken, and after a week in the hospital and two weeks of bed rest at home, I tried to return to work. But within days, the nausea and pain returned.

After two more hospital transfers, I underwent a “Spy Glass Exam,” which was unsuccessful because my bile duct was too small. Doctors discovered an infection caused by the stent and lesions on my liver. The stent was replaced, and I spent another 2.5 weeks hospitalized for infection treatment.

Multiple biopsies confirmed what no one ever wants to hear: 90% positive for Bile Duct Cancer.

The initial plan was to surgically remove 40% of my liver, my gallbladder, and the bile duct containing the tumor. This was my hope for a chance at survival.

But during surgery on September 15th, 2025, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. Because of this, they could not proceed with removing part of my liver or bile duct. Only my gallbladder and a lymph node biopsy were completed.

I awoke from surgery with the devastating news: I now have a confirmed diagnosis of Stage III Cholangiocarcinoma.

For those of you who know us, Smitty and I have always been the ones on the front lines for others - fighting for family, friends, and those in need. I never imagined I would be the one needing help. So many people count on me. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a niece, a friend, and a person who loves people, music, animals, my job, and life. I love God and I love my family and friends. I’m 56 years old and I have so much left to do here. I am just not ready to go yet.

Other than this current condition, I am in very good health. I take care of myself and normally work about 45–50 hours per week. My husband Smitty also works full time. But since my illness began in July, neither of us has been able to work. This has made the financial burden even heavier on top of the medical battle.

This cancer is aggressive and difficult to treat. Standard treatment options are extremely limited. However, I’ve found hope through Oasis of Hope Hospital in Mexico, which offers both conventional and innovative treatments not yet approved in the U.S. This facility has a very high success rate and has been in existence for over 50 years.

The cost of treatment is estimated between $32,000 – $42,000. This amount covers:

• All treatments and therapies

• Lodging for both my husband and me in their facility during treatment

• Meals and essentials during our stay

• Any necessary surgeries, if needed at their facility

• Medications

• A 5-year after-care treatment program

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover this care because it is outside the United States. My husband and I are selling what we can, but raising this amount quickly is critical. Time is not on my side. I have included a short video at the end of this post explaining the treatment at this facility and why I have faith it will help.

I am asking for your help so that I can begin treatment at Oasis of Hope as soon as possible.

Our fundraising goal is $42,000 - the maximum amount that may be needed to cover treatment and ensure I can begin immediately.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings me closer to life-saving care. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing my story with your family, friends, and community. Please share on your social media pages and ask that your friends share.

I never imagined being here, asking for help in this way. But I believe in the power of faith, community, and love. Your support gives me strength and hope to keep fighting.

Thank you for reading my story, for your prayers, and for standing with me in this battle.

With love and gratitude,

Sheila, Smitty & Family

Please do NOT send scam emails offering to fundraise for me, etc. This is a REAL life situation, and I will not respond to scam emails!