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On Friday, April 24th, my dear Aunt, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Heidi Wheeler joined Jesus Christ in Heaven after a seven month battle with a rare form of mesothelioma. Aunt Heidi sought medical help for severe pain in her abdomen for over a year before finally receiving her diagnosis. When the unexpected news of stage four aggressive cancer came in September 2014, it was such a shock to Heidi, her family, and even her doctors. After years of being a stay-at-home mom, it was only five years ago that Heidi finished her master’s degree at age 49. She was just beginning a new life as a career woman, after moving to New York State with Uncle Steve, when this illness suddenly changed her future. With only a handful of cases diagnosed, there was little information on treatment options. Her battle with this horrible and painful disease has left our family devastated with the loss of this great woman.
Heidi’s only treatment option was chemotherapy, which was intended to help extend her life and allow her to live without extreme pain. After three chemotherapy treatments, she regained the use of her bladder and bowels, and her pain level significantly diminished. The tumors around her uterus, kidney tubes, and even in her lungs shrunk 40-50%. This was a huge victory, and Heidi was excited about the possibility of returning to work. But, only a few weeks passed before severe pain began to return and further medical complications started. She also struggled with severe nausea and a complete loss of appetite. My aunt once loved cooking for family and friends and enjoying great food with them. But now, meal time brought on frustration and tears. After the New Year, Heidi and Uncle Steve moved to Texas to be with their son Andrew, his wife Abby, and their two grandbabies. Heidi’s tumors grew back aggressively shortly thereafter. She faced several serious infections and even pneumonia before her body became too weak to continue receiving treatment. She passed away in hospice with her husband, son, and sister, Anne, close by.
Heidi loved her family dearly, especially being a grandmother. Sadly, her grandchildren will never know Heidi the way that I have been blessed to know her. Anyone who knew Heidi will testify to her great sense of humor, contagious laugh, and her passionate love for Jesus Christ. She was always a shoulder to cry on, a voice of reason and wisdom, and a true servant of Christ. Her faith has inspired me and many others to follow her passion and dedication to God. Proverbs 31:10 is the best description of my aunt, “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.” Aunt Heidi, your price is far above rubies, and I have been honored to have known you.
Aunt Heidi and Uncle Steve were married for over 30 years and never dreamed they would be separated from each other so soon or so tragically. Uncle Steve had to quit his job to provide 24/7 care for Heidi during her illness. With no more income and their savings quickly spent on medical bills and trying to stay current on their recently purchased home, there is nothing left to cover the funeral expenses and remaining medical bills. Our family is doing everything we can to come together and offset the funeral costs, but there is still a great need to help Uncle Steve. Even the smallest amount you can give would go so far to help my uncle lay his beloved wife to rest and tackle the financial struggles ahead of him.
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