“What a blessing you were to my husband and myself, at a time in our lives when the simplest gesture of kindness meant the world.

My husband Rick was diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma on December 16, 2019.

Needless to say, our world was turned upside down that day, and suddenly we were thrust into the depths of the unknown such as we’d never experienced; as a medical professional, I had never been on the “other side” before, such as this. After Rick’s surgery on December 20, 2019, we found ourselves in a whirlwind of appointments; we also were faced with the long drive from the Beech Mountain area to Winston Salem everyday for his radiation therapy treatments as Rick was enrolled in one of the clinical trials at Wake Forest.

I spoke at length one day with an older gentleman who was a volunteer, in the stairwell for several minutes; that day my husband was in our room and was so sick from his radiation and chemo and I was struggling terribly with guilt for just feeling “normal”. This gentleman took the time to talk with me about his faith in God, his family, and some of his experiences as a volunteer; he also shared the story of how the SECU Family House became a reality in W.S. I’ll never forget the kindness shown to me that day or on any of our visits to your wonderful haven of comfort.

I’d like to share Rick’s simple testimony; in the Wake Forest ER that night, December 16, 2019, Rick told me “you can’t dread going to Heaven”. Rick lived that testimony every single day as he fought his battle; he never once complained and always stated that “others are going through it, too” when I would tearfully tell him how sorry I was and that I wished that I could share his burden. I hope Rick’s legacy will help others.

Thank you W.S. SECU Family House staff and volunteers for providing sunshine in those rainy days.” ~Kimberly H.