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Fidelis Family Highlight: An Update from Sam regarding Paul 🌟

Fidelis Family Highlight: An Update from Sam regarding Paul 🌟

I wanted to share some thoughts about our journey with my son (stepson) Paul.

Jamie and Paul came into my life just over 3 years ago. Paul has had a lifetime full of health problems, including being born without a functioning kidney. He was able to get his first kidney transplant when he was 2.5 years old. Just under four years ago, his transplanted kidney stopped working. Paul started dialysis 3 days a week and Jamie began the process of getting Paul listed again on the kidney transplant registry (which is NOT a quick or easy process).

Due to Paul’s prior kidney transplant, blood type (B), and history of health issues, we were advised that they are looking for a “needle in the haystack” for a matching kidney. The reason why; Paul had a 99% antibody rejection rate, almost any donated kidney his body would reject. Hence, “needle in the haystack”. Colorado Children’s Hospital had a similar child that it took almost 10 years to find a suitable match.

Jamie and our family have been praying for a miracle for years now. I noticed Jamie’s prayers changed in the last year, she had asked God to help us find the “Perfect” kidney for Paul…not just a kidney.

After almost four years of dialysis (approximately 600 dialysis treatments or 2,400 hours on the dialysis machine) and three years listed at Colorado Children’s Hospital, we got the miraculous call that they found a kidney for Paul. As Jamie, Paul, and I spoke with the transplant coordinator while sitting on a jet ski at Lake Powell, we heard that they found the “perfect” kidney for Paul, A Perfect Match, no desensitization or magical medical gymnastics to “make it work”. I lost it, I knew God had answered our prayers, Jamie’s specific prayers!

Four years ago, next month, we lost my 20-year-old nephew Taj Cornum in a car accident. While he was brain dead in a Colorado Springs hospital, his family made the decision to donate his organs. I watched as the transplant coordinator, nurses, and doctors, kept Taj alive to allow for him to live on in others and sustain life for those in need. I experienced the “Honor Walk” as Taj was wheeled from ICU to the ambulance taking him away. The heartache for all involved was extreme. I know the family was so grateful he was able to live on by helping others…

My heart aches for the family that just experienced this tragedy so that Paul could have his miracle, perfect kidney. Thank God for the family that was willing to share their loved one with Paul. Thank God for Burke & Nicky Cornum that they were willing to share Taj four years ago. Thank you to all that have supported Jamie, Paul, and our family through our journey.

Isaiah 55:8-9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.“

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John Van Sant

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PROFESSIONAL
John Van Sant began his career in wealth management in 2005 and has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles focused on operational excellence, strategic growth, and advisor support. Prior to joining Fidelis, John served as President and CFO at Cascade Financial Management and as OSJ Principal with LPL and Apollon Financial.

As COO and CCO at Fidelis, John draws on deep industry experience and a passion for building advisor-focused platforms, systems, and processes that help deliver an
exceptional client experience. He currently holds Series 7, 24, 28, and 65 licenses.

PERSONAL
John holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Johnson & Wales University. A proud husband and father of two daughters, he is an avid golfer, dedicated “Dance Dad,” and enjoys beach days in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he now resides after many years in Colorado.

Karley Fidani, CPFA®

PROFESSIONAL

Before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2022, Karley ran several local businesses, selling products both in the Castle Rock area and online. Her passion for entrepreneurship and finance led her to earn a degree in Financial Management from the University of Colorado Denver.

At Fidelis, Karley has specialized in assisting small business clients with their employer 401(k) plans. She has also taken on client-facing roles as advisor and paraplanner. Karley holds her Series 65 license and is a NAPA Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®). She plans to pursue the Certified Financial Planner® designation in the near future.

Karley is passionate about building relationships with clients and is dedicated to providing a thoughtful, valuable experience that brings them peace of mind.

PERSONAL

A Colorado native, Karley grew up in Castle Rock. She enjoys spending her free time riding her horse, Dante, hiking and mountain biking with her husband, and playing electric guitar.

Rilee Erickson

PROFESSIONAL

Rilee began working in the financial services industry in 2017 as an associate specializing in property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance.  Since joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors she has taken on a paraplanner roll, providing life insurance support, as well as client and operations support. She also hopes to obtain her own Certified Financial Planner® designation in the years to come. Rilee’s passion in the industry is helping people protect their family and their future.

 

PERSONAL

Rilee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Science. She is a Wyoming native, growing up on the family cattle ranch in Lander, Wyoming, and now resides in Green River, Wyoming with her husband and two boys. Rilee enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and exploring the beautiful and rugged Wind River Range.

Tina Jessick

PROFESSIONAL
Tina first began her accounting career in 2019 as an Intern at an accounting firm in Wichita, KS. She started working at Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant spring of 2025. Tina hopes to assist in helping clients achieve their financial goals long-term and looks forward to making a difference at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

PERSONAL
Tina is currently attending Wichita State University in pursuit of two degrees in Finance and Accounting. She is a Kansas native, growing up in city known as the “Air Capital of the World”. She now resides in Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she’s not running after her kids, she enjoys hiking, crafting, pottery, dance and baking.

RIA Innovations

Fidelis Wealth Advisors has a strategic partnership with RIA Innovations, a Division of NWAM, LLC. RIA Innovations provides administrative support services for registered investment advisors nationwide. This service is under the direction of Nelly Mubashi, the Chief Operating Officer.

 

NWAM, LLC, dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations is an SEC registered investment adviser. NWAM, LLC dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations and Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC are not affiliated companies.