Our family has been dealt a massive blow. If you know the Wilhelms, you'll agree that asking for help does not come easy for us. However, we are swallowing our pride and asking if you can please help ease some of the stress by providing financial or emotional (prayers, cards, good thoughts, etc) help during this very difficult time.

Our sister, Vicky Wilhelm, has been suffering with tremendous back and stomach pain for the past ten months. During a dozen visits to emergency rooms as well as her primary care doctor, Vicky was falsely diagnosed with ulcers, a bulging disc and bladder infections, to name a few. She was never given any pain medication for her severe discomfort. At one point, Vicky was told that nothing was wrong with her and she just needs to learn to live with arthritis.

Three weeks ago, an emergency room doctor (in Brawley, Ca of all places) finally took Vicky's pain seriously. He ran the necessary tests and we now know that Vicky has metastatic stage four liver cancer. She also has large tumors in both of her kidneys. We learned today that the cancer is in her bladder, lungs, spine, pancreas, bones and lymph nodes. There is no cure and treatment is not a viable option at this point. It has been an unbelievable shock to Vicky and the MANY people who dearly love her.

Vicky is an inspiration to us as we witness her grace and acceptance of this utterly incomprehensible turn of events. We want to help make these coming days as valuable as possible for Vicky and our family, so we are asking for your support.

Any American can understand how overwhelming bills from 12 ER visits can be. The hospital in her hometown of Borrego Springs closed soon after the time she started experiencing pain. The expense of traveling 60-90 miles for each ER and doctor visit added up. Now, she and Bill are staying close to quality medical care in San Diego until the end of Vicky's life.

We want to help Bill with the costs related to Vicky's medical care and funeral expenses. We also want to offer her the best possible quality of life during her final months.

Furthermore, Vicky has a short bucket list:

1. To remain in San Diego during this time where she is getting medical and emotional support.

2. To make a trip to Nevada so Vicky can visit our grandmother and Aunt who are not physically able to visit.

3. If at all possible, to stay for a few a days in a house on the beach with her loved ones.

Any support you can provide will help relieve the financial stress. Thank you so much for considering.

With gratitude,

Lisa and Jenny