June 27, 2023 UPDATE:

On June 10, Randy experienced what the doctors believed to be an adverse reaction to the medication, so he was admitted to the hospital that night. To find out what was going on, the doctors had to temporarily stop all treatment and medications, so they could evaluate and see how the disease was progressing and responding to treatment. Unfortunately, the tumors are just too aggressive and not responding to radiation and chemo like we all hoped they would. With heavy hearts, we want to let all of Randy & Amber’s family and friends know that Randy has since been placed in hospice care. Please continue to pray for Randy, Amber, their kids, and our entire family during this difficult time. We want to thank everyone, from the bottom of our hearts, for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we have received. Thank you again and please keep “Praying with the Pillys”.

Love, The Pilakowski & Stone Families

Original Post:

Hello family, friends, and prayer warriors. We ask you to “Pray with the Pillys” and help support the Pilakowski family during Randy’s fight against brain cancer.

At the beginning of April, Randy began experiencing some uncommon symptoms. Medical staff found two lesions on his brain. After waiting several nerve-wracking weeks for results, it was confirmed that the lesions were cancerous brain tumors. Randy recently started receiving radiation treatments that require him to travel to Norfolk five days a week for six weeks PLUS chemo treatment. Due to his extensive treatment plan, Randy is unable to work.

Randy, along with his wife Amber, are the solo operators of Virg’s Garage in Platte Center. Randy took over Virg’s Garage from his father and has operated it for over 20 years. Randy’s lifelong dream of building his new shop became a reality in November of 2021, only to see it leveled by a tornado less than two months later. Randy and Amber worked tirelessly for the last year to rebuild and reopen their new shop, now this devastating diagnosis has thrown them yet another challenge.

Randy Pilakowski is a lifelong resident of Platte Center, a husband, and father to five children. He and his wife are very active in the Platte Center Community. He is a volunteer fireman, has served multiple terms on the Platte Center Village Board, and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Please consider donating to the Pilakowski Family to help with medical bills and expenses that are piling up due to loss of wages. A benefit for the family is being planned for August 5 (more details coming soon), Meanwhile any support you can offer the family through this GoFundMe or the Pilakowski Benefit Account at any Bank of The Valley Branch is greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your support and for PRAYING WITH THE PILLYS!

~From The Pilakowski and Stone Families