Stand By Nancy

Roxanne and husband Wayne care for their three children, their niece and Roxanne’s mother Nancy. They have been the strong foundation their family has needed and now they need our help.

The last five years has been a very trying time for them as both of Roxanne’s parents had become very ill. With both parents needing constant care during this time Roxanne has not been able to work (aside from a very rare and occasional serving shift during the first 2 years) but instead has spent every day as their dedicated and loving caregiver. Wayne works full time plus overtime every week to keep their family going.

Two years ago, Roxanne’s father passed away. With his passing came sadness and heartache for the family but for Roxanne and Wayne, as if that was not enough, it also brought on more unexpected bills. Her father did not have life insurance at the time of his passing leaving all burial and funeral expenses to Roxanne and her husband. Finances already on the tight side, with Roxanne not being able to work, they had to resort to taking out a loan to cover these expenses. After her father’s passing she would still need to care for her mother as her health has continuously declined ever since, so she moved Nancy into her family home. With Nancy’s condition she cannot climb up and down stairs, so Roxanne and Wayne moved her into their master bedroom so she would have a comfortable and safe living situation. Although they were happy to make sure Nancy was being taken care of and happy, they had to find a way to turn their unfinished, unlivable basement into extra living space for their expanding family. They had to resort to yet another loan to make this work; leaving them in further debt.

In the past year Nancy’s health has been rapidly declining and even more so in the last two months. She is now suffering from end stage COPD and 4th stage lung and liver cancer; doctors predict she does not have much time left with her family. They will be starting the process of hospice at this time to ensure that Nancy is as comfortable as possible during these days. Nancy has had nothing but love, care and grace from her daughter and son-in-law as they would do anything they can to make her life as full as possible.

Roxanne and Wayne are doing what they can at this time, but unfortunately these last five years and the expenses associated have taken a toll on them. This selfless, amazing family has enough on their plate just thinking about her mother’s health and what is to come, they should be able to enjoy this time as much as possible. They have given so much to make Nancy’s life one of love and happiness in these past years; maybe now we can help give them some peace of mind. Any donations, big or small, could make all of the difference to this loving family’s world.