When Jennifer Schweighart’s family turned to Vickie’s Angel Foundation in 2016, they were in the midst of a difficult fight. Her mother, Debra Waligora, was traveling to Philadelphia for experimental treatment, and the financial strain weighed heavily on the family. Within 48 hours of applying, VAF provided the support her parents needed for travel expenses.
Jennifer remembers the moment clearly: “It was such a relief. Such a gift.”
That immediate help allowed her mother to continue treatment and gave the family the space to focus on what mattered most. Jennifer recalls receiving an email from founder Mickey Minnich and hugging her father with tears in their eyes. That compassion left a lasting mark.
A Legacy of Creativity and Care
Debra was known for her creativity and love of crafting. She poured her talents into designing beautiful gift baskets, which she sold at craft shows and shared with others. Jennifer often helped her mother at these shows, with her dad by her side. Crafting wasn’t just a hobby, it was an expression of love and generosity.
That spirit continues through Jennifer and her family today. In honor of her mother, they formed a VAF Walk team called Debbie’s Darlings. Their logo, in purple and yellow, honors appendix cancer awareness and carries her mother’s legacy forward.
From Recipient to Volunteer
Over the years, Jennifer has become a dedicated VAF volunteer. She has solicited and collected raffle baskets from local businesses, helped coordinate raffle efforts at past Angel Walks, and continues to support the basket raffle each year. “It’s been a blessing,” she says. “I want to pay it forward by volunteering, by advocating, by giving back wherever I can.”
Her team, Debbie’s Darlings, creates and donates multiple baskets each year, often beautifully themed and filled with thoughtful items. In fact, for this year’s 20th Angel Walk, Jennifer and her team members created eight baskets for families and supporters to enjoy.
More Than a Walk
For Jennifer, the Angel Walk is more than an event. It’s a chance to celebrate her mother’s memory, bring her family together, and share joy with other families facing cancer. She recalls the energy of past Walks, the purple tablecloths, the gold raffle bags, and the teamwork of friends, family, and volunteers working side by side.
Those moments, she says, are filled with love.
“There are so many memories tied to these baskets and this event. It’s part of our story.”
Carrying the Mission Forward
Jennifer’s journey with Vickie’s Angel Foundation reflects the heart of our mission: to walk alongside families during their hardest days, and to inspire a cycle of hope and generosity that continues long after. We are honored to have Jennifer and Debbie’s Darlings as part of our Angel Walk family. Her story is a reminder that every act of giving creates ripples of kindness that live on.