Helga van Wyk fought Leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare and far-reaching cancer of the nervous system, for nearly three years. Throughout her journey, Huntsman Cancer Institute became a place of comfort, compassion, and exceptional care, where the team continually found ways to improve her quality of life. Her beloved oncologists, Dr. Rachna Malani and Dr. Christos Vaklavas, became like family to her, along with many dedicated members of the Huntsman staff.

Helga’s wish was that her case might lead to answers — and ultimately hope — for other patients facing LMD, especially women. While her extraordinary journey has already inspired new research and treatment approaches, much more remains to be done. Donations made in Helga’s name will directly support this important work at Huntsman Cancer Institute, helping advance research, improving treatments, and, as Helga wished, bringing hope to others confronting this disease. Through this meaningful act of giving, Helga’s legacy lives on — transforming grief into hope and helping ensure future patients receive the same world-class care that meant so much to Helga and her husband, Guill.