Michelle Altland with parents Jim and Yvone Richter
It was about seven years ago that Jim and Yvonne Richter learned that their daughter, Michelle, was diagnosed with lung cancer. The news arrived after Michelle was admitted to the hospital for what she thought was a strong case of the flu. It also came roughly three years after she had a cancerous kidney removed in an earlier trip to the hospital.
The cancer returned, spread to other parts of her body and eventually took Michelle’s life. She was 47 years old when she died in November 2013.
Looking back now, Jim Richter remembers how difficult it was to watch as Michelle fought for her life. However, despite those difficult memories, Jim also said he remembers how big of a help Vickie’s Angel Foundation was for Michelle when she was going through treatments that left her very ill.
The foundation paid to have Michelle’s fuel tank refilled and covered some other expenses after her diagnosis. The assistance Vickie’s Angel Foundation provided touched Jim and Yvonne Richter so much that they have continued to support the foundation ever since. They have made monthly donations to help others fighting through a cancer diagnosis.
“Without no red tape, no hoopla, the fuel truck is out there refilling her tank,” Jim Richter recalled of the immediate support that Vickie’s Angel Foundation provided for his daughter. “I will give as long as I can. Every month they’re top of the list. That’s the way it’s going to be. It’s a first-class organization.”
Jim Richter, who lives in a community not far from Haars Drive-In in Dillsburg, also said he has watched many of his neighbors battle cancer. In a radius of less than a mile from his home, he said he knows people who have fought pancreatic cancer, leukemia, a brain tumor, lung cancer … the list goes on. He estimates that at least ever third or fourth house on his street has been touched by the disease.
That’s another reason why it’s meaningful for the Richters to continue supporting Vickie’s Angel Foundation. Jim Richter also said he has great admiration for Mickey Minnich, the organization’s founder.
“I like it because the money doesn’t go for advertising or pay for banquets or something like that. You give a dollar, he gives out a dollar,” Jim Richter said. “It goes to the people who need it. There are a lot of people out there who need it.”
About Us: Vickie's Angel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission of helping families fighting cancer who cannot pay their bills because of going through cancer treatment. The foundation’s goal is to take away the financial worry from the family, providing a temporary bridge that allows them to focus entirely on beating this disease. Since 2003, Vickie’s Angel Foundation has raised over $3.2 million and helped more than 2,000 families. Importantly, 100% of all online donations, and monies received at our walk; along with 100% of net proceeds from sponsored events, go directly to those in need.