On March 29, 2016 Valarae received the most heartbreaking news any mother could ever swallow. What started off as a routine gallbladder removal turned into a death sentence. After definite testing and biopsies Valarae was diagnosed with Gallbladder Cancer. This very rare form of cancer surprised even her doctors, requiring immediate action to take place. Upon further investigation it was made clear to Valarae’s doctors that her cancer was not just centralized in her Gallbladder but that it had spread to her liver. Along with the liver cancer a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was given as well.
Exactly 1 month later Valarae underwent surgery to have the cancer removed along with a good portion of her liver, resulting in a bile duct resection and reconstruction. Recovery has been slow, losing 50 lbs. in two months with daily, sometimes hourly pain. Soon after Valarae met with her Oncologist to review her options going forward. Those options, though, were limited due to how weak her body and immune system were. Chemotherapy was not an option due to Valarae's incontinence.
On September 19 during her three-month cancer checkup the Oncologist saw something on Valarae's stomach that did not seem right. The Pet Scan revealed even more cancer and this time there were no options.
On September 26th, 2016 Valarae was diagnosed with Terminal Stomach Cancer. She was advised that it would move "Swiftly" leaving her with approximately 3-6 months to live. Operating was out and even if chemo was an option it would only prolong her life and additional 3 months. Who would have known that a routine gallbladder removal would turn into Gallbladder Cancer which metastasized to her Liver.
Valarae’s current living situation is not suitable for her conditions and she is currently preparing for a move into Palliative care for her remaining time on earth. Medical expenditures have become a massive financial burden for both Valarae and her daughter Stephanie. There are still co-pays and ongoing medical bills that need to be paid. Stephanie and Taylor, whom currently resides in Kansas is working to schedule flights, arrange travel and personal time with work, preparing for the Cremation as well as planning how to relocate Valarae’s personal items from California to Kansas. Neither Valarae, Stephanie or their family are mentally, physically or financially prepared for what they are enduring. Val’s only source of income being Social Security is resulting in medical expenses that far surpass $500,000.
We humbly come to you and ask if that if you can make a donation in any amount it would be greatly appreciated and would help to offset some of the ongoing medical and burial expenses that they are facing. All donations will go directly to Valarae.
Most Sincerely,
Team Bama!

Exactly 1 month later Valarae underwent surgery to have the cancer removed along with a good portion of her liver, resulting in a bile duct resection and reconstruction. Recovery has been slow, losing 50 lbs. in two months with daily, sometimes hourly pain. Soon after Valarae met with her Oncologist to review her options going forward. Those options, though, were limited due to how weak her body and immune system were. Chemotherapy was not an option due to Valarae's incontinence.
On September 19 during her three-month cancer checkup the Oncologist saw something on Valarae's stomach that did not seem right. The Pet Scan revealed even more cancer and this time there were no options.
On September 26th, 2016 Valarae was diagnosed with Terminal Stomach Cancer. She was advised that it would move "Swiftly" leaving her with approximately 3-6 months to live. Operating was out and even if chemo was an option it would only prolong her life and additional 3 months. Who would have known that a routine gallbladder removal would turn into Gallbladder Cancer which metastasized to her Liver.
Valarae’s current living situation is not suitable for her conditions and she is currently preparing for a move into Palliative care for her remaining time on earth. Medical expenditures have become a massive financial burden for both Valarae and her daughter Stephanie. There are still co-pays and ongoing medical bills that need to be paid. Stephanie and Taylor, whom currently resides in Kansas is working to schedule flights, arrange travel and personal time with work, preparing for the Cremation as well as planning how to relocate Valarae’s personal items from California to Kansas. Neither Valarae, Stephanie or their family are mentally, physically or financially prepared for what they are enduring. Val’s only source of income being Social Security is resulting in medical expenses that far surpass $500,000.
We humbly come to you and ask if that if you can make a donation in any amount it would be greatly appreciated and would help to offset some of the ongoing medical and burial expenses that they are facing. All donations will go directly to Valarae.
Most Sincerely,
Team Bama!
Organizer and beneficiary
Stephanie Baker
Beneficiary