Missouri, March 10, 2025
Photo: wp.com Orthodox Christians have an opportunity to contribute to the construction of a new chapel in Missouri that is intended to eventually be used by a local mission parish and that will pay tribute to an 18-year-old Orthodox girl who has only a short time to live.
As reported by Orthodox Reflections, the Braszko family of northwestern Missouri has launched a GiveSendGo to construct a chapel in honor of their daughter Lillian, who has suffered greatly from cancer in her short years.
The campaign tells her story:
Lily is a talented, amazing, sweet and kindhearted 18-year-old who has courageously fought an excruciatingly painful and difficult battle with osteosarcoma over the past two years. Her journey initially started with cancer in her knee.
She endured numerous surgeries and treatments, but unexpected complications arose, including compartment syndrome, and over half a dozen subsequently painful surgeries transpired, all of which ultimately resulted in amputation of Lily’s right leg above the knee. Lily embraced each new challenge with the courage and determination of someone more than twice her age. Her fortitude continues to inspire all of us as we watch her learn to navigate with one leg and valiantly work through all the emotions and mobility challenges of a teenage amputee.
As if amputation weren’t enough, the unthinkable happened at a recent scan, where we learned that the cancer has metastasized to her lungs where it is growing rapidly. Over 50% of Lily’s lungs are full of cancer now, and she has been given only a short time left to live. While grappling with this harsh reality, the family is striving to savor their last moments together with Lily with joy, the love of Christ, and hope in the Lord.
Now that her cancer has spread to her lungs, the family has decided that now is the time to launch the chapel campaign, while Lily can still be involved, and she has provided her own designs for how she would like the building to look.
The chapel will be tall, with white walls and a blue metal roof/dome. It will be built in a traditional, ancient Christian style with a memorial dedicated to Lily inside.”
The fundraising goal of $175,000 is based on bids received for a 625-square-foot unfinished building, and bids on finishing the inside. The family is contributing a sizable portion of their savings toward finishing the interior. As of this writing, $22,601 have been raised.
The campaign describes how you can help:
You can help us shower Lily with love by contributing funds to support Lily’s Memorial Chapel. This young girl is fearlessly facing her future with courage and love. We want her heart to be full, and to be showered with overwhelming encouragement. If you are able to offer a memorial gift now, in lieu of flowers, Lily will be able to see and know how much she is loved & supported in her final days. Please don’t wait until after her passing. Her family humbly requests your contributions toward this effort now, to make the most impact for her personally. Even if you don’t know our Lily well, we pray you are inspired and will understand why this memorial is so important for Lily and her family.
Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
