Richard VanGilder's Life-Saving Recovery

Richard VanGilder is a Vietnam Veteran, a handyman/mechanic, and a dedicated member of the family. He moved across the country to take care of his mother personally during the worst stages of Alzheimer’s, so she wouldn’t be left among strangers at a nursing home. Now, he’s battling liver cancer and cirrhosis which has been worsening since 2021. The fight has not been an easy one, resulting in the gradual inability to support himself and others, as well as declining mental health which clears post-transplant. Additionally, these escalating tolls have rendered him unable to work. His wife, Iara, has been working her hardest to provide income for the household by herself, while also taking care of him during her off-time. With the increasing challenges that everyday life has become, Richard is approaching the time of finally receiving a liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida – but it is an overwhelming process, and more major bills are still to come.

Richard is in need of assistance to aid him over this final hurdle of regaining his life, so he may enjoy it with his family and spend time with his grandchildren once again. He wants to be able to work, help others, and live a normal life after recovery. I am creating this GoFundMe account in his name to support him. The overall goal is based on the total estimated price for his medications after surgery, the nearby hotel to be ready at moment’s notice for the procedure, and to recuperate the loss of income from not being able to work during this time. We wish to ease the burden of these trying circumstances and provide aid in the recovery process, so that all focus can be put towards the recovery itself – not the added stress of financial difficulties. While insurance does help somewhat, there are still costly out-of-pocket expenses.

Any little bit helps, and even sharing this by word-of-mouth is very much appreciated.