End of Life Funeral Expenses for M. Townsend Sr.
Donation protected
Proud people sometimes have a hard time asking for help. And some people in my family are so proud and modest at the same time that asking for help seems almost unreachable. So I'm going to do it for them. Here's the story...
On November 21st my Step-dad, the father of my youngest brother, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. We spent most of Thanksgiving in the hospital before he was discharged home. On December 8th, after a few weeks at home, Mike suddenly took a very serious downturn. He was found incoherent, and semi-conscious on the floor of his bedroom. He was rushed to the hospital and has been here since. He still cannot talk, communicate, and his organs are failing. We don't know if we have hours, days, or weeks left with him. And unfortunately, since we thought we had a little bit more time with him, end-of-life discussions and preparations were not yet started.
So here's where we stand. After discussions with the Townsend family and with direction from my younger brother, we are pursuing purchasing a plot at Camas Cemetery so Mike can be laid to rest next to, or with his Mother and Father. Cremation and burial decisions have not yet been made. But funeral plans are in the works and all of this costs money. Some very sweet friends suggested I start a GoFundMe to help raise money for the costs that add up.
An average funeral costs $7500, so I'm hoping to raise a portion of that to pass on to my brother. He said, "I don't want a handout!" But in this scenario...well...sister know best.
Thank you for your donation to this fund and I am very grateful to my community for your help. All money raised will be transferred to my younger brother to pay solely for memorial/funeral services.
P.S. The top photo was taken the day after Thanksgiving this year, two days after his diagnosis. My brother and I picked up a tree and felt it necessary to decorate the house for Christmas. We knew this would be his last one.
On November 21st my Step-dad, the father of my youngest brother, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. We spent most of Thanksgiving in the hospital before he was discharged home. On December 8th, after a few weeks at home, Mike suddenly took a very serious downturn. He was found incoherent, and semi-conscious on the floor of his bedroom. He was rushed to the hospital and has been here since. He still cannot talk, communicate, and his organs are failing. We don't know if we have hours, days, or weeks left with him. And unfortunately, since we thought we had a little bit more time with him, end-of-life discussions and preparations were not yet started.
So here's where we stand. After discussions with the Townsend family and with direction from my younger brother, we are pursuing purchasing a plot at Camas Cemetery so Mike can be laid to rest next to, or with his Mother and Father. Cremation and burial decisions have not yet been made. But funeral plans are in the works and all of this costs money. Some very sweet friends suggested I start a GoFundMe to help raise money for the costs that add up.
An average funeral costs $7500, so I'm hoping to raise a portion of that to pass on to my brother. He said, "I don't want a handout!" But in this scenario...well...sister know best.
Thank you for your donation to this fund and I am very grateful to my community for your help. All money raised will be transferred to my younger brother to pay solely for memorial/funeral services.
P.S. The top photo was taken the day after Thanksgiving this year, two days after his diagnosis. My brother and I picked up a tree and felt it necessary to decorate the house for Christmas. We knew this would be his last one.
Organizer and beneficiary
MJ Dunne
Organizer
Portland, OR
Michael Townsend Jr.
Beneficiary
