Stacey’s Dream!

A woman and a lifelong Dream

Stacey Vahlkamp, nee Barttelbort, began making her dream a reality in 2006.

Stacey always said when something happened to her job at the bank, she wanted to make her dream come true, opening a card store.  Losing a job to most people would be devastating, but this was her chance to start the dream. Unfortunately, shortly after she made this decision she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A diagnosis of cancer, in its fourth stage, might have stopped someone else from opening her own business, but not Stacey, this was her dream!!! Besides, she was gonna beat the cancer and her determination was stronger than ever! With her positive attitude, faith, and the support of family and friends, Stacey signed papers to secure a spot for the store AND started chemotherapy.

With her husband and family, by her side they kept on planning. Chemotherapy took a toll on Stacey causing delays and especially unique challenges. She picked out carpeting while resting on the couch, ordered Paper Moon’s first inventory from her kitchen table, and as she lay in bed the telephone was her tool to keep things progressing. Opening Paper Moon was her mental therapy, along with her 3 beautiful daughters, it kept her going, even when all odds were against her.   Many true friends and relatives stepped in to help.  Feeling helpless in how to help with her illness, people jumped in to help with the store.  What Stacey couldn’t do they would!   Anything from painting the walls of the store to making meals for the family.  Within 5 months the Grand Opening of Paper Moon Cards and Gifts came.  Stacey’s dream became a reality.  Her faith and love let her see the store open and the night of the Grand Opening was one of the happiest days in her life. 

Stacey kept working and kept fighting for her life.  Rarely letting on that her health was such a struggle, she took Paper Moon through its inaugural year. The smile on her face was Stacey’s trademark to all that knew her. She was not only courageous, but the most caring mother, sister, daughter, wife, and friend anyone could ever have. While beginning new relationships and strengthening old, she successfully started Freeburg’s newest and nicest card and gift shop, a place where Stacey could use her time and talents best. Business ups and downs, her husband and daughters, along with her battle with cancer kept her going until Christmas of 2007 when God called her home. Still today, friends that knew Stacey and people that never met her can feel the ambience and love which made this store become a reality and made her dream come true.

Stacey’s dream continues as her sister Shelley, Stacey’s good friend Linda, and several dedicated employees operate Paper Moon in Stacey’s memory.