Valerie needs our help

Hi there,

My name is Ricki. Let me start by saying my little sister Valerie is the most generous person I know. Her empathy towards the underdog has always set her apart. Whether it's a person or an animal, her authentic love is infectious. You can't go anywhere with Val without her stopping to pet a scruffy pup or offering a kind word, food, or her gentle unjudging smile towards a homeless person on the sidewalk. She is a person who embodies true depth.

Unfortunately, in August, Val started feeling ill. She had lost weight, but figured it was because she was eating healthier. Sadly, she kept losing weight. Too much weight. Finally, she went to her provider with her concerns and they began to reluctantly move into the uncertain realm of healthcare navigation.

At first, they were met with a mountain of negative tests. Then they found a growth on her pancreas. It was determined to be a watch and wait scenario as many are, then she developed multiple symptoms. Her trips to the doctor became common and turned into emergency room visits as she began urgently needing medical intervention. She was getting very sick. Her once sassy vibrant spark was replaced with a frail, frustrated, and scared young woman. Val's last trip to the emergency department got her admitted with a plan to treat an infection and surgery. It felt good to have a plan. Unfortunately, the surgery was complex, painful, and unsuccessful. The surgeon is planning to transport Val up to OHSU this weekend to meet with a surgical team who will hopefully, give her the chance of a joyful life back. This process will several take weeks and several hundred miles.

Valerie works in the restaurant industry so this caused a devastating impact to her financially. My little sister needs our help. Any contributions she receives will be used directly to help with her living expenses, bills, and recovery while she faces multiple surgeries this month. Thank you for considering. Whether it be a monetary donation, prayers, well wishes, or a healing thought. Anything will help and is genuinely appreciated. Thank you and be well.