Support Vanessa Mata’s Medical Journey

My name is Heather Kilby, and I am fundraising for a good friend of mine of over 20 years, Vanessa Mata. Although she will never admit it, she really could use our help right now as she faces a serious and life-altering medical diagnosis. Some of her close friends and family are aware of the details of her diagnosis and journey thus far, but she has asked that this does not become her identity and I will honor that by being as discrete as possible with all of the details.

Last year, Vanessa was given a health diagnosis that would come as a huge shock and would change her life forever. She has already completed certain phases of treatment but still has a long road ahead. She just arrived back home from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota this week after surgery (one of the several phases in her treatment plan). She will be heading back to Mayo in March, where she will be required to reside for 5 weeks or so as she undergoes another major phase of her treatment plan. Once this portion is complete, she will continue to have follow-up appointments and potentially another surgery depending on the outcome (praying this one is not necessary!). Some things are still unknown, but there is a solid plan in place and she feels confident and grateful to be in the hands of the experts at Mayo.

She has not been able to work throughout this process and will continue to have very limited income to cover living expenses at home, let alone all of the costs that will continue to add up for travel to and from MN and for her stay while she is there. I would love nothing more than to help take this burden off of her at this significantly heavy time in her life.

Vanessa is a wonderful mother, friend, sister, and light in so many lives. Anyone who knows her knows that she is a generous, loving, God-fearing force who would never feel comfortable asking for help. She has been continuously strong and independent throughout this process, but I really would love nothing more than to help her in any way I can during this difficult time.

If you can find it in your heart to help in any capacity, we would be extremely grateful. Let's take some of the stress of financial strain off of her so she can focus on her treatment and healing, I know it would be such a major blessing to her. In addition to a monetary donation, please keep her in your prayers. We know God is working throughout this journey of hers and she will tell you that she wholeheartedly trusts Him. Thank you so much!