Support for the Sam and Lauren Hilker family

Dear generous and beloved friends of Sam and Lauren Hilker (Mincey):

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, Sam and Lauren welcomed Tola's baby brother, Bahen "Beck" Hilker, to the world, completing their beautiful family; only to learn that Baby Beck had suffered a brain bleed and seizures. After a week on a ventilator, he is now breathing on his own, eating well, and making truly miraculous progress. But Baby Beck continues to require critical care to address swelling in his brain, and has been transferred to UNC Chapel Hill. After nearly three weeks in the NICU, and several more weeks ahead, his family - our dearest Lauren, Sam, and Tola - are in need of our support as they take this time off work and face mounting medical bills. So many of Lauren and Sam's dear friends and community have asked how they could help - that is why we have organized this fundraiser for them.

The Hilker family is a beloved fixture of Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington, with loving friends and family far and wide. I know I speak for each and every one of their friends and family when I say our lives have all been brighter and more joyous because of them. Please open your generous hearts to this beautiful family in their time of need and uncertainty, and keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.

If other non-monetary needs become known, we will post them here, along with any updates authorized by the family. Thank you for keeping them close to your heart while patiently awaiting details here, from a family member, or directly from the Hilkers themselves when they are ready. They are deeply grateful for their loving community's support.