Wendy Gilker — Raising Bree

This video shows a short glimpse of 34+ years of care giving my profoundly disabled daughter Bree. It presents a typical day in our lives and the things I have done to keep my daughter healthy and happy.

Thank you for viewing our story, I appreciate all of the love and support.

If you would like to learn more about our story, I explain a lot in this video:

Bree passed away on January 5th, 2017. It was very peaceful and quick. It was kidney failure caused by her intestines backing up and closing the function of her kidneys. The 37 years that I got to spend with Bree were the best years of my life and I am so very grateful for this time and that I got to be her mom.

My Tedx talk, which I was asked to do on the anniversary of her funeral (2018) is a explanation of what a gift Bree was in my life.

More About Me:

Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical doctor. The information I share is from my own experiences caring for my daughter, and personal research I have done over the years.

*This is the only Youtube channel that I run. If you see my name or content posing as me on this platform it is NOT me.

[MattFrost]

What a sweet lady! It's people like her who deserve praise and recognition, unlike half of our "celebrities" who basically do nothing.

[aujechu]

this woman literally gave up her entire life to devote herself to her daughter and that's what makes her so amazing. she loves her daughter soooo much and knows all and everything about her. She has given up any social life, all finances, all of her time, her aspirations etc. as a mother without a child with this condition it's easy to say I don't think I could do it but deep down I know if I had to I would for my child no questions asked. 36 years is a long time to have to care for your child in the way most parents only have to do for a year or so takes ALOT OF strength. she's an amazing mother for sure.

[sarakyoutube]

Believe me when I say this, you are an angel, i know words are just words but you are that little girls savior.

[lori-ffcg]

This woman did an amazing job with Bree. She learned about Bree’s disability and what would be best & helpful for her to have the best life possible. Most importantly you can see the love she has for her.

[rilansmith]

I had a Mom like you, who until her last days at 91 years of age only thought of others' well-being...the world darkened just a bit the moment she died, and watching you just now felt like the sun coming from behind a cloud. You are a light in this hard dark world.

[erinlippitt]

it just makes me so happy that she puts in so much time and effort to take care of Bree. This lady is amazing, bless her.

[sergioaguero]

Who disliked this!? Such an amazing women. My prayers go out to you and Bree 💙

[tarynisfantabulous]

Wow, this lady has so much love towards her daughter. I have no idea what this would be like, and I have no idea if I could deal with it like she does. Props to her

[rawrsophiex]

Isn't it amazing how one little deletion in a tiny tiny part of the chromosome can cause such a profound effect. You're an amazing mother, she's so lucky to have you.

[ineffablesplendor]

I was practically in tears. This woman is truly exceptional. God bless her for having the patience and strength the undergo such a trial.

[nicktune]

Let's give this mother a big round of applause for taking care of her child. You are a great mother to this child. I could not think of anyone more dedicated or more caring to her daughter.

[MAGNUM]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter, Wendy. Bree was a sweetheart and so are you. You're a great mother. May Bree rest in peace and God bless you two.

[Darkdemonoflite]

Instead of "If I was disabled i'd hope to have a parent this supportive and loyal."

Many of the comments are "If my child was this way id put [IT] down."

That's why the world is the way it is. Too many people with negative ways of thinking.

[rhyssky]

A mother that does this much for her disabled kid is a hero and role model. Anyone who says anything negative must have a sorry ass life and wasn't disciplined at all. She has my prayers and bless her kind soul.

[wildchild]

these nasty comments really make my heart sad. this mom is the perfect example of what a mother should be. i have 3 kids that have been special needs and now young adults. 2 of my kids are high functioning autistic and 1 with mental health issues. i've raised them on my own after their dad walked out in 2003. it's been rough, but it can be done. you keep doing you Wendy. you are an amazing mom. lots of other "moms" out there would have put their kids in a home.

[alisyn]

This lady is by far a much better woman than I am.. I don't have the physical nor mental strength to raise a child with Bree's level of being handicapped. God bless this woman.

[zodsi]

this was really touching to watch but its also the reason why i'm so scared to ever have children

[rednecklife-uuje]

YOU ARE A HELL OF A GOOD MOTHER NEVER CHANGE THAT! GOD BLESS YOU!

[HopefulInterventions]

Wow! Amazing mother! You only live for your child. God bless you and your family.

[savannahm]

I'm THOURLY convinced a lot of mommas (mine included) that have disabled kids are angels.