Related article: Kayla Stoecklein: Pastors, Protect Your Mental Health
Christopher described his wife as the “most amazing Jesus follower, wife and mother.” The visibly shaken Hilken shared the last text his wife had sent him before she died. “Even in the darkest depths of her sickness,” he said, “she never relented [sic] to remind us all time and time again [of the wonderful and beautiful future of our family]. Her last words she ever texted to me before surrendering her phone at the mental health facility where she passed reminded us of this, too: ‘Hey baby, I’m giving up my phone now. You’ve been the best husband and father I could have ever asked for and I love you.’ ”
Over $500,000 Raised
A Gofundme page has been set up for the now-single father of five children who are all under age six. The fund has exceeded its initial goal of $25,000 with more than $592,000 raised at press time. The message on the “Help the Hilken’s” page reads as follows:
Paige Hilken received a catastrophic medical diagnosis in April that led to PTSD and other co-occurring mental health issues. Tragically, Paige lost her battle with her mental health diagnoses; taking her life while in a world class mental health facility in Arizona.
The Hilken’s have had such an amazing impact on so many lives from North Coast Church to Hume Lake to Paige’s hometown of Fort Jones and nationally through their teaching and counseling ministries. With the news of the unexpected passing of Paige Hilken, we have had so many people reach out and ask how they can help. One of those ways is to help ease the financial burden that Christopher will now take on to raise 5 babies as a single parent including final expenses for Paige and the loss of income from Paige’s businesses.
There will be a host of brand new giants to face for Christopher who faces a new normal as a single dad of 5 kids under the age of 6, we would love to make sure that finances aren’t a burden for him in this season.
Please keep the Hilkens family in your prayers. Paige’s memorial service can be watched below:
