This is difficult to write, for many reasons.

My husband and I are starting a GoFundMe for my in-laws, Sonia and Hermes, to cover their rent for the month of January and to help with medical expenses. In late October, after an extended bout of treatment-resistant insomnia, Hermes experienced a mental health crisis that has left him unable to work. As I write this, he is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a local behavioral health facility. My in-laws have had a tumultuous few weeks, beginning on October 27th when he was first admitted to the hospital, then transferred to a behavioral health facility. Since then, we have fielded multiple crises, including two discharges followed by readmission to the hospital and behavioral health facility. We have advocated hard on his behalf with his providers, and had to make difficult decisions alongside him to help him get the care he needs. We are making phone calls daily to the facility and constantly weighing options for his medical care. To say the system is “broken” is an understatement, and has contributed to this process being long, arduous, and ongoing.

My mother-in-law Sonia works as a translator, but her income is far short of meeting their financial obligations. She is receiving assistance for November’s bills from their church, where they both serve faithfully and my father-in-law preaches regularly. My husband and I are also coordinating with my mother-in-law to help with their financial needs. Currently they have enough funds to cover the rent for December.

My in-laws emigrated to America from Costa Rica in the 90’s and have no other family here besides my husband, myself, and our daughters. In this season, we are heavily reliant on the kindness and generosity of friends, members of the community, and the church.

Would you please consider contributing? It’s not lost on me that this is an expensive time of year. That makes every contribution that much more valuable, giving Sonia the gift of time to maintain their home while Hermes receives treatment. We hope for his condition to be properly managed with medication, and for him to be able to return home and, eventually, to work.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and I hope you’ll consider giving. No amount is insignificant. Please reach out privately with questions if they are an obstacle to you giving. Thank you, and have a blessed holiday season.