TROY – The Golden Gate Bridge is considered a revered place for tourists to see because of its architectural beauty, quintessential design, and dazzling orange color.

And it has been a childhood dream of Vickie Misuraco to visit the iconic locale but the timing never seemed quite right. However, fate stepped in and in September, she made the trip and crossed one more item off her bucket list.

But it was a bittersweet experience. In May, Misuraco was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive tumor and serious type of brain cancer.

“She’s doing good. Still weak but she’s okay,” her daughter Angel says.

Not long after her diagnosis, Misuraco‘a boss at Mercy Hospital Lincoln where she has worked since 2020 as a community health worker started collecting donations to help make her dream a reality and the generosity by many was astounding.

But it was the gesture of a fellow employee, Tim Howard, an environmental services worker, that was truly unique.

Neither employee had ever met or spoke but hearing Misuraco‘s story, Howard says he felt compelled to make a contribution, noting that it felt like an urgent prodding or calling to do so. In fact, Howard donated a total of one month’s salary of $1,500.

“It makes me overwhelmingly happy to help someone in need to grant their wish come true,” Howard said. “It’s very gratifying to give to others in need. It brings me happiness and joy to know I made their dream come true through the help of God.”

Upon seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel says her mom had a “good” time and is so thankful that she got the opportunity.

When Misuraco got her job at Mercy Hospital Lincoln, Angel says it was a great fit because “she’s such a loving and caring woman.”

Since it’s in her mother’s nature to help others, Angel says it was quite the wonderful shock and surprise to hear about Howard’s donation especially since her mom never expected anyone to help her.

“Showing random acts of kindness can truly change someone’s life,” Angel said. “When she found out Tim donated the money she was in disbelief. We all started crying. We didn’t know how to thank him nor react really. We were so surprised.”

Recently, Angel met Howard in person to express her gratitude. Howard says that urgent nodding to help Misuraco “comes from the heart.”

It is not yet known how much time Misuraco has left but Angel says they are making every minute count.

“I hope and pray for her to have a peaceful and painless journey to our heavenly father and that her family can celebrate her life instead of grieving about it,” Howard said.

There is no cure for Stage 4 Glioblastoma. However, treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery can help in the management of the disease.