The Gilbert Family

Meet the Gilberts—a family whose story is one of perseverance, faith, and service to

others, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Hope Gilbert is one of the most selfless and hardworking people you will ever meet. She

and her husband Mike moved to Lynchburg with their son, searching for a brighter future.

Hope quickly became a social worker for the City of Lynchburg, where she serves some of

the most vulnerable members of our community. Every day, she pours her heart into

helping others, making sure families in crisis find hope, stability, and a way forward.

But at home, the Gilbert family faces battles of their own. Mike is a childhood cancer

survivor and was the only child on his pediatric floor to survive. While his survival is a

miracle, the long-term side effects of his intensive cancer treatments have left him with

frequent seizures and other health challenges. Because of this, Mike has been unable to

work, despite his strong desire to provide for his family. His days are filled with difficult

medication adjustments, hospital visits, and the hope that one day he may qualify for

surgery that could give him a more normal life.

Hope has carried the full financial responsibility for their household, all while managing

medical bills, car repairs, and unexpected home expenses. Their son, a high school

student, is also preparing for surgery after a football injury—yet another weight on the

family’s shoulders. And now, their HVAC system has been broken for over a month. With

only window units to rely on, their home has been uncomfortable, especially with Mike’s

health conditions.

Still, in the middle of their struggles, the Gilberts continue to show kindness to others. Even

during their own struggles, and even when life has given them little in return, they have

extended helping hands to neighbors and friends, including pitching in with home projects

when others needed support. Their generosity shines through in all they do.

A new heat pump would mean more than comfort for the Gilbert family—it would mean

peace of mind, stability, and the chance to breathe a little easier. It would allow them to

focus on healing, on raising their son, and on continuing to give back to the community they

call home.

The Gilberts are a family who embody resilience, selflessness, and hope. Please consider

casting your vote for them. Your support could help give this deserving family the comfort

and relief they so urgently need.