Willie's Cornerstone Foundation

Who We Are

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Together We Can Make a Greater Impact

We have identified an unmet need in the community, and our efforts are focused on complementing the existing initiatives by providing support and services in an area that has been underserved. While we admire and recognize the valuable work done by these other great organizations, it’s essential to highlight that our mission is not about duplication, but rather about addressing a specific gap that exists.

Supporting Children Facing Life-Threatening Conditions

The GO BO Foundation offers assistance for children diagnosed with any life-threatening medical condition. The family of a child with a life-threatening medical condition focuses all its energy on their child. As a result, they often experience a financial crisis as they have little time left to deal with their daily needs. The GO BO Foundation can help alleviate some of a family’s financial worries by providing direct financial assistance.

Supporting Door County Residents Battling Cancer

DOOR CANcer Inc. is an organization helping Door County residents receiving cancer treatments pay their non-medical bills or other obligations. DOOR CANcer Inc. hopes to alleviate suffering through monetary aid for families battling the financial drain of a cancer diagnosis.

Supporting Adults Facing Life-Threatening Illness

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation supports Door County residents over the age of 18 suffering from life-threatening illnesses and not receiving active cancer treatment by providing financial support for mortgage, rent, utilities, or treatment-related travel expenses.

At the core of our missions lies the unwavering commitment to compassion, healing, and hope. Together we strive to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing challenging medical diagnoses and making a meaningful difference in their journey toward healing and hope.

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Our Story

In the midst of the obstacles confronting the Leist family as they adapt to their changed circumstances, they have been fortunate to receive unwavering support from friends, family, and colleagues. While Willie received robust support, many others face the harsh reality of limited assistance due to smaller social circles or financial constraints within their support networks.

The foundation’s origin story revolves around Willie Leist. Despite facing multiple life-threatening diagnoses, Willie’s journey has been characterized by accomplishments and enduring love. Door County rallied around Willie, her husband Robert, and their daughter Harlow, extending heartfelt support through crowdfunding, spirited events, and generous donations. This inspiring display of community compassion highlights the strength that emerges when people come together to uplift one another during challenging times. 

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation embodies the Door County way of life, that was displayed as the community rallied around Willie, where community members take care of each other with unwavering commitment and mutual support. This foundation provides a safety net for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, sparing them from the burden of fundraising and financial worries during their battle. By having funds readily available, patients and their families can focus on healing and recovery.

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation aims to assist Door County residents suffering from life-threatening illnesses and are not undergoing active cancer treatment by providing financial support for mortgage, rent, utilities, or treatment-related travel expenses. The foundation’s target recipients are individuals aged 18 or older who do not have coverage under Medicare or Medicaid (although applicants may be covered by BadgerCare). The support provided is not meant for medical expenses, focusing instead on alleviating the financial burdens caused by severe illnesses.

Donations to Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation have a profound impact, offering hope and relief to families navigating the challenges of illness, regardless of direct personal connections. Your generosity becomes a lifeline, extending crucial financial support to those most in need.

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Willie’s Story

Wilhelmina, fondly known as Willie, holds a cherished place as a beloved member of the Door County community. Having navigated through multiple life-threatening diagnoses, Willie and her family encountered significant hurdles.  Struggling to make ends meet, and unsure where to turn, Willie found solace and aid in the embrace of the caring community that held her dear.

Wilhelmina Grace Leist’s journey has been one of remarkable accomplishments and enduring love. She graduated from Gibraltar High School in 2010 and continued her education at UW-Eau Claire, obtaining her degree in 2014. Later, she pursued her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Carrol University. Alongside her high school sweetheart, Robert Leist, she embarked on the beautiful journey of marriage in 2018. Three years later, their joy multiplied as they welcomed their precious baby girl, Harlow Ray, into their lives.

Unfortunately, life has presented Willie with some tremendous challenges. In early 2023, she received her third life-threatening diagnosis in the past 8 years. Despite undergoing a double mastectomy and another smaller procedure, the life-threatening illness has returned. These treatments came with substantial financial burdens.

The power of community and compassion shone brightly as Door County rallied around Willie, Robert, and Harlow, extending their heartfelt support. The outpouring of generosity through a crowdfunding page surpassed all expectations, raising over $50,000. But the giving didn’t stop there. The community organized several spirited events, including a volleyball tournament, a golf scramble, and raffles. These events were more than just fun and games; they symbolized unity and a shared commitment to make a difference. With unwavering dedication, the community united with Willie, transforming a difficult diagnosis into a journey filled with hope and strength by helping to alleviate some of a family’s financial worries.

In times of adversity, the love and support of a caring community can make all the difference. The collective efforts of Door County have not only lightened the financial load but also served as a beacon of hope, reminding Willie, Robert, and Harlow that they are surrounded by a network of love, kindness, and resilience. This inspiring display of compassion reaffirms the incredible strength that emerges when people come together to uplift one another during life’s challenges.