In October 2017, Mike and Millicent got married and were looking forward to a bright future together, it was a great day. On Valentine’s Day 2018, their outlook changed dramatically when Mike was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer. They never got to take the honeymoon that was planned and are now unable to afford to.
Donald’s wish has been granted and they will be traveling to Riviera Cancun to celebrate the honeymoon they never had.
Danielle has always wanted to visit one of the wine regions of Italy with her husband; however, this is no longer practical with her diagnoses and health. Recurring yearly medical expenses won’t allow them to save enough for such a trip and her immune system is too compromised to get clearance for traveling that far.
Danielle has battled cancer four different times in 34 years of life. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia when she was 8 years of old and relapsed after turning 11. At age 30, she was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2014 and underwent reconstructive surgery, radiation, chemo, and a year of immunotherapy. In 2017, the cancer returned in her bones shortly after completion of therapy. Unfortunately, the disease is terminal this time and she is undergoing treatments to slow down progression of the cancer.
Her family has been of tremendous support, and Danielle especially asked to commend her husband. He is not only her caretaker, but has taken in an unwanted baby plus his niece so that she can attend school. They also have a son of their own, making them a family of five now, and her husband is holding down the fort with one income.
Danielle’s wish has been granted to surprise him with a trip to stay at a lovely Bed and Breakfast in the vineyards of Napa Valley, California. She figures it’s the next best thing to Italy.
Chris Maybray has been battling colon cancer since July 2015. Chris is 34 years old with 3 children (ages 6, 9 and 14) which are helping his fight. He is currently stage IV. He was told last July he was deemed terminal with months to live yet the fighter he is…he is still here today. He has had many complications and uncountable hospital stays. He has daily oral chemo, iv chemo now once a month and unfortunately tumors continue to grow. Many activities are now impossible for him.
Chris’ wish has been granted for an RV rental so the family can camp for a long weekend and be able to fish and spend quality time with kids and rest when necessary inside.
Andrew Lee and his wife will travel to Hershey, PA to see Casting Crowns in concert.
Renee Kuduk will travel to Arizona to tour the Grand Canyon.
Thank you to Stella’s Wish for sending me and my family to AZ and for making it possible for us to see the Grand Canyon. We are very grateful and it was a much needed get away for all four of us.
With gratitude,
Renee Kuduk
Stephanie has stage 4 stomach cancer and is on hospice. Her life expectancy is 3-6 months. Stephanie Westrup lives in Desloge with her husband and son. Her wish has been granted to take them on a trip to The Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City.
Lisa Drummond has been Stage4 Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Lisa lost her middle son in 2016 and he left behind two amazing boys, the eldest of which lives in Las Vegas. It was on Lisa’s heart that she wouldn’t get to see him again. SWF has granted Lisa’s wish to travel to Las Vegas with a great friend from St Louis, MO to visit her grandson and see a few shows.
From her friend Shelley: “To say that I am over the moon, doesn’t even begin to describe what I experienced yesterday… just the thought that my Lisa will have the chance to create a lasting memory with her eldest Grandson whom she hasn’t seen since 2016… thank you Stella’s Wish! This is going to be nothing short of Epic! My heart is so full… I cant even stop crying! Thank you, thank you, thank you! ”
Theresa Casa just wants a good TV that works. Her wish has been granted and a new TV is on the way for her.
“Just wanted you to know that this afternoon my doorbell rang and the FedEx man handed me an envelope which I signed for and inside was the most fabulous gift from Stella’s Wish. Not only was there the Gift Card for my new TV but you also sent me a beautiful purple Bible (purple being my favorite color). That was so kind of you, and I never thought it would have gotten here so fast. So just wanted you to know as soon as the weather warms up a little I am going to get my new TV and every time I turn it on I will think of you and your Stella for making it possible. I wish you life’s best and thank you again for your kindness. I’m know your Stella is very proud of you. You made my birthday which is Feb. 8th extra special this year.
Take care and be well,
Theresa Casa”
Amy Wygmans’ wish has been granted to go on a cruise with her husband and two kids. From Miami, they will visit Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk.
“I want to thank you for granting a wish to a young lady, Amy Wygmans. Your foundation sent her and her family on a cruise this spring. They had a wonderful time. I am writing to let you know Amy passed away last week at the young age of 41. Her children will have great memories of that trip. Thank you.”
Geri Helminiak, RN
Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital
Cancer and Infusion Clinic
Manistee MI
Scott Kropman was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Stage 4 Neuroendocrine. His wife wrote, “He has always been amazing, just a selfless man, he has always put others before himself. He is the best husband and father and friend, he has helped so many people and families with his positive and never give up outlook and attitude, we have even received emails and letters from people thanking him for being such an inspiration. He continues to inspire others each and every day, its truly amazing to see. There are hard days however, days where the pain & exhaustion get the best of him… We have seven amazing children together…seeing their father sick isn’t always easy, a few of our children now suffer from anxiety, we are working through it. He was just recently taken out of work by his doctor, the budget is a bit tighter now more than ever. I have been praying that we could all just get the chance to ‘escape’ reality for a few days together, just to BE and to create some special memories while we still can.”
Scott’s family too large to travel somewhere, so they decided to spend time locally together. Scott and his family will meet with relatives at a local restaurant in the New York area.
