Jill's husband, Steve, started getting sick in 2019. They didn't know it at the time, but Steve was suffering from multi-organ failure, which was later diagnosed in June of that year.

He was then admitted to the hospital, as his condition began to worsen.

The couple, having been together since 1999 but never married, decided to tie the knot on July 1st in the Health Park Hospital Chapel because they didn't know how much time they had left.

Just ten days later, two days shy of his 60th birthday, Steve died, leaving behind his wife and eleven-year-old daughter, Samantha.

"I had so many conflicting feelings after Steve's death," said Jill. "I was mad. I was sad. I was worried."

After the sudden loss of her husband, Jill began reaching out for support and found Valerie's House.

She said it was a relief to find a place where she could openly talk about the emotions she kept inside.

"I know I can share those feelings openly in my group with the other moms at Valerie's House," said Jill. "None of our grief journeys are the same, but it doesn’t matter. We talk openly with each other and find that there is always someone that is feeling the same way."

Samantha, Jill's daughter, also felt welcomed by Valerie's House after the loss of her dad.

She said she's learned coping skills to process her father's death and made some great friends in her peer grief support group.

"Valerie's House has made me feel less alone," said Samantha. "I think Valerie's house means community and acceptance. Everyone is always making you feel safe and at home, ensuring you never go through anything by yourself."

Samantha sees a bright future for herself, and she credits that to the support system she has at Valerie's House. She's a multi-sport athlete, competing in softball and lacrosse as well as an active member of her girl scout troop.

"The years ahead of me are very exciting and intimidating, but there are so many different things that I could do, making them some of the most fun and important times in my life," said Samantha.

With the challenges they've faced, Jill and Samantha said they are stronger because they chose to go through it together.

"Sam is now very open about her father and his death," said Jill. "There are so many kids in our community who have lost a special person. They need to know it's okay to share their feelings and talk openly about how they're doing."

As of December 2022, Jill has joined the Valerie’s House staff working as our Family Support Specialist. She helps with family enrollments and gets to know our newest families.

We couldn’t think of a better person to fill this position. Thank you, Jill!