Phil and Tracey Gater

Phil and Tracey Gater have received some devastating news and are in need of assistance.

Phil and Tracey have been together for over 30 years and just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.

Tracey is a breast cancer survivor and has been in remission for the past seven years.

In April of this year, Tracey was admitted to the ICU with blood clots in her lungs. During the course of treatment for the blood clots, a liver scan detected spots that a subsequent biopsy confirmed as malignant.

Sadly, this turned out to be an inoperable, fast-moving cancer that has not responded to any treatment and has now spread to the brain.

Over this past Thanksgiving weekend, instead of celebrating their wedding anniversary together, they received the devastating news that Tracey has only days to weeks left to live.

This has left the Gaters in a desperate financial situation. Phil has been off work on family caregiver leave (unpaid). He has recently applied for short-term disability and is yet to be approved. Tracey is also unable to work and does not have any insurance.

They recently purchased a house to allow Tracey’s mom, who requires 24/7 care, to live with them. Upon moving in, it was discovered that the new house needed extensive repairs, which set Phil and Tracey back financially.

They were still recovering from this setback, and now, with the loss of income, they have found themselves in need of help to cover mounting bills and funeral expenses.

Phil and Tracey have always been kind and generous, the first ones to help family in need, rescuing pets, and always making Halloween extra special for the neighborhood children.

Phil, a longtime employee at TMMC, has always been supportive of others at work during both good and bad times.

If you know Phil or Tracey, or would like to help a family in their time of need, donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Update:

Tracey Gater passed away peacefully with Phil by her side at 2 PM Friday, October 18.

At this time, a private family only ceremony is being planned.

Phil would like to sincerely pass along his gratitude for everyone's ongoing support.