Hi. My name is Toni. I am putting out this request for my mother, Nina Powell, who recently lost her husband, my step-father (and the only man who has ever been there for me as a dad). Although my dad strived to ensure Mom didn't struggle financially after he passed, there just wasn't enough time to get affairs in order. 

A Little History


Mom put herself through school and acheived a Masters Degree as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) specializing in addiction therapy at a late age, regardless of her personal health issues. Some time after getting comfortable in her field, in December of 2015, Nina regrettably went on medical leave (FMLA) due to becoming quite ill. She had been working full-time regardless of being on oxygen 24/7 for two years because she just isn't a quitter. She had been in the hospital five times in the last two years for her illness (COPD and asthma with frequent bouts of pneumonia). Although my mother has health insurance, her medical bills and copays are still quite high. These debts were gradually being paid, but prior to my dad's illness, when everything doubled.

The Real Struggle

Only two days after going on medical leave for her illness, on December 11th (Mom's birthday), my dad, Steve Hinterscheid, was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer. Upon discovery, they found it to be very advanced and already metastasized everywhere, except to the brain (at that time). Mom took Dad to all of his chemotherapy sessions in hopes of extending his life and its quality. After 18 gruesome treatments, the cancer had spread to his brain, yet they continued the original plan for radiation. Unfortunately, after 10 whole-brain radiation treatments, his CT  scan revealed the cancer relentlessly spread throughout, and he had 2 weeks to live. After an 8 month battle, Dad passed on August 9th, 2016.

The Dilemma

Because Mom's health hasn't improved, she had to file for disability again to supplement her income. On top of that, since Dad's passing, her income was cut in half. There was a miscommunication somewhere and the benefits they were told Mom would have after Dad's death is significantly lower. To make matters worse, the life insurance policy that she had for Dad suddenly jacked up her premiums when they heard he was terminal after she paid into it for over 2 years! She had to cancel the policy because she just couldn't afford it. Now, it seems impossible to afford a service for my dad.
Because the type of lung cancer was so aggressive, there was little time to acquire information with companies and confirm she would be financially covered. My mother has done ALL of this on her own (with the exception of Dad's care) in such a short period of time, she hasn't had time to catch her breath, let alone manage her finances, and is too stressed out to grieve properly. Facts are, she is scared and could use a little financial support (though she would never tell you this, because she is a strong, independent woman).

How Can You Help?

What we need is financial help to get Mom through the next few months while she tries to find some kind of work at home--Something she can manage to do while on full-time oxygen to supplement her income and pay her bills. Anything you can give will be so helpful to her immediate situation. My mom is a real fighter! When she was on disablity 14 years ago for her illness, she fought back by educating herself so she could help others through therapy. She got off disability and wouldn't settle for a hand-out. She never asks anything of others, for herself. She and I and the family will be so grateful for anything you can give to help her recover from these tremendous losses.