Support the Family of Don Wilmot

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you”
John Bunyan

The Wilmot Family is currently experiencing great sorrow and great financial hardship.  At a time when the world is a mess and fighting to survive, it is my hope that the world come together to help this family as they say goodbye to their husband and father.

Don Wilmot’s battle started 5 years ago but his journey will end soon at the Keck Medical Center as doctors have exhausted all options.  Five years ago after a fairly normal week, Don experienced great pain in his abdomen and ended up in the hospital.  He was diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis in his liver.  Over the years he was also diagnosed with liver cirrhosis as well as a form of blood cancer in the form of a Jak2 mutation.  

Years of visits with specialists and different hospitals never really provided answers or a path to a cure.  His liver would deteriorate from visit to visit without much explanation for how it all started or why it was happening.  At the beginning of April, when the world was reeling from coronavirus, excruciating pain returned for Don.  He spent 2 weeks in one hospital with no success at pinpointing the pain.  Don was then transferred to Keck Medical Center.  They found a bacteria attacking his body and shutting down organs.  Adding to a difficult situation, Don tested positive for COVID-19.  He was intubated and put on a ventilator but fought his way off the equipment.  His blood pressure stabilized.  His white blood cell count normalized but his liver and kidney failures were worsening.  Doctors found perforations in his intestines which could not be addressed in his current state as the required surgery would almost certainly be fatal. There was too much damage and no more solutions. It is now a matter of time until Don earns his wings to Heaven.

Don is a veteran and an amazing husband, father, son, brother and friend.  After serving his country, Don spent most of his career in the consumer electronics industry which is where our paths crossed working for Synnex, Corp.  We all have our Don stories because he really had a big heart, a kind soul and a wealth of laughter.  He has worked very hard to help provide for his family: his wife Frances, 23 year old son Nathan, 21 year old daughter Sidney (21 on May 2nd) and his 18 year old son Justin. This experience is taking a good man from the planet and leaving an exorbitant amount of medical bills for Frances and the kids who are attending or close to attending college. 

At this time it is my hope that we come together to support Frances, Nathan, Sidney and Justin and show Don some love in his final days……..and some peace that his family will be okay after he is gone.  For those looking to offer their support to Don’s family, we ask that you consider making a donation to this GoFundMe campaign, and encourage you to please share with your network of friends & family.  We realize that offering financial support in these uncertain times may be difficult for some.  Any amount is appreciated as we work towards reaching our fundraising goal. 

First $75,000: to cover medical bills, funeral costs and other miscellaneous living expenses
Second $75,000: to cover educational aspirations for Nathan, Sidney and Justin.

Thank you everyone.