To the Family and Friends of Virine Hardy Streater,

I’m writing because of the incredible gift my mom, Virine, has been to all of us—and to let you know how you can support her in this current season of need.

More than a few times each week, people ask me, “If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me/us know.” Those words have been such a blessing to our family. Many of you have already lived them out through your earnest prayers, visits, meals, and loving service. For that, we are deeply grateful.

I wish I could thank each and every one of you personally. Your care has meant more than you know. Many have also asked for updates on my mom’s health journey, so I want to share how we got to where we are today and what her needs now are.

Her Journey

It began just before Christmas of 2024, though looking back, there had been subtle signs earlier. My mom had planned a long-awaited trip to Kenya with her children and grandson. As always, she was full of joy, spending time with her extended family and preparing for travel. But some family members noticed that the whites of her eyes had a yellow tint and she was losing weight. At the time, it seemed minor,  so she continued with her travel plans.

She flew to Nairobi, Kenya on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, and arrived the next day. It quickly became clear that something was wrong. Normally bursting with energy, my mom was unusually tired and weak, and her skin had turned yellow. Despite this, her spirit remained unshaken. She enjoyed seeing the city, the countryside, and the beach; she delighted in good food and the company of loved ones.

But her energy faded quickly, and each day she grew more fatigued. I, my sister, and cousin did all we could—arranging medical tests, consulting doctors (including a top oncologist in Nairobi), and trying to get her home early. Many people in Kenya and back in the States began praying for her.

The return trip was very difficult, but God provided help through the kindness of strangers—airline and airport staff who assisted her along the way.

When she finally arrived home, she was able to make it upstairs to rest—one of only two times she would climb those stairs in 2025.

The next day, we took her to Langley Military Hospital for tests. From there, she was transferred to Portsmouth Naval Hospital, where, within two weeks, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Doctors performed a procedure to relieve her jaundice, but afterward she developed sepsis—a life-threatening infection and it took a month for her to recover.

During that time, family, friends, and our church family at Antioch Baptist Church became powerful advocates and intercessors. Thanks to their love, she received attentive care. After more than a month in the hospital, she had lost much of her strength and her ability to walk so she was unable to immediately go home.  But by God’s grace, she was transferred to a rehabilitation center, where she worked hard to regain her mobility and strength. The staff was kind, the food was good, and family could visit easily. She eventually learned to walk again, regained some strength and was able to return home where she then began chemotherapy.

Those were hopeful days. She was surrounded by visitors—especially around her birthday—and encouraged by those who we lovingly call “God’s Soldiers,” the faithful sisters from church and her friends circle who cared for her daily when the paid aide wasn’t there.

After her birthday, chemotherapy started, and on her third treatment she went to a higher dose. But soon her labs showed a dangerously high white blood cell count, and she was admitted to Sentara Careplex with another case of sepsis. Though she recovered from the infection, she lost the ability to walk again and suffered some cognitive decline.

After almost 100 days in rehabilitation, she regained her mental clarity—praise God—but her physical strength did not return. Her oncologist explained that without sufficient strength to walk, she could no longer continue chemotherapy.

Where Things Stand Now

Today, Mom is at home, surrounded by love and peace. She’s happy to be there. Unless God restores her strength, she won’t be pursuing further chemotherapy. Her body has endured much, but her spirit remains radiant and strong.

She is bedridden and currently on hospice care, eating well and continuing to enjoy good food, visits from family and friends, and Sunday worship services streamed from her church services. We have been blessed to find a kind and trustworthy home aide, but her insurance coverage for that support will soon end.

Our goal is to help her remain comfortable at home—just as she desires.

How You Can Help

To continue her care, we are seeking support for the following:

• In-home Aides
• Medical and Mobility Equipment

Together, the estimated annual cost for her care is around $102,000 for the first year.

Any amount you give will go directly toward my mom’s care and comfort—either for medical support or aide services. Should there be any excess, it will be used as she wishes for her ongoing needs.

Above all, please continue to pray for her. Her faith and perseverance have been a testimony to all of us. We see every act of love and generosity as part of God’s grace at work through His people.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for walking with Virine Hardy Streater on this journey.

With love and gratitude,
Corey Streater (on behalf of the Streater Family)                                                                                                                   Please email [email protected] if you have any questions. 

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