Help Wes Whiteaker with his medical bills

Hi, my name is Tami and I'm fortunate enough to have known Rona and Wes for the last 13 years after Rona came to work at Island Hospital. Anyone who's had the pleasure to get to know Wes knows him as the guy with the big personality and a smile to match for anyone he meets whether it's at The Rex or through get-togethers at their home as they are always welcoming friends and family. He is a fun-loving guy whose joy is palpable and whose love for those close to him is unmatched but sadly, Wes has been handed a terrible diagnosis and honestly needs your help to reduce the financial stress as he prepares for months of radiation treatment.

This last Christmas, Wes was emergently taken to Skagit Valley Hospital after awaking in the middle of the night feeling as though he couldn't breath. He collapsed in their doorway and thankfully his amazing wife Rona was there to administer CPR while awaiting the paramedics. Once at Skagit, Wes was diagnosed with Covid pneumonia where he stayed for almost a week before being able to discharge home.

His homecoming was short lived though as continued to feel like he was struggling to breath. It was then that he was taken to Island Hospital where a CT scan of his throat revealed a large mass that was mostly occluding his airway inhibiting his breathing. Wes was told with 90% certainty that it was cancer. A week later he underwent surgery to remove the mass and had to have a tracheostomy (tube in his throat) placed so that he could breath while healing from the surgery.

During this whole time Wes did not have health insurance. Owning a restaurant had been a dream of Wes and Rona's for years. Though they achieved this dream when they became owners of The Rex, this came at the sacrifice of other expenses that you don't need until you need them.

Although Wes now thankfully has insurance, he still has stacks of medical bills from 3 hospital visits, numerous imaging, medical supplies required for his home tracheostomy care, and numerous doctor's appointments. In addition to all that, during a wind storm in January a huge tree fell on their garage breaking through the roof and damaging one of their vehicles.

Wes will be out of work as he is just getting ready to start his radiation treatment that he'll be undergoing for months. Rona has had to miss shifts at the hospital as well in order to be able to care for Wes. Many of you have been asking how you can help, and this is the way. Lightening their financial burden as they prepare for what comes next.

Thank you!