
a Neighbor in Need Rebuild His Life
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Hello,
For those of you who know me, you're aware of my dedication to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Today, I'm reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for support as we come together to help a neighbor who has fallen on challenging times.
Throughout the years, I've been fortunate to lead fundraising efforts for various causes, both on a grand scale and in more personal, intimate ways. From organizations like the American Cancer Society to local initiatives like supporting victims of domestic abuse through the YMCA and the Summit Animal Rescue Association (SARA), I've witnessed the incredible power of community support in making a difference.
I've also been involved in more personal endeavors, like rallying support for a neighbor who faced profound loss during the holiday season or helping a friend and her children escape an abusive situation. These experiences have shown me the strength and compassion that exists within our community.
The Bigger Ask: Today, I come to you with a larger request, as we extend our hands to assist a lifelong Westfield resident, my brother-in-law Drew Rountree, who is navigating extremely challenging circumstances. He is grappling with divorce, depression, anxiety, and serious health issues that have left him in the hospital and undergoing intensive physical therapy to regain his health.
As I've stepped up to help him during this difficult time, it's become clear that his depression has prevented him from tending to even his basic needs, including his own well-being. I'm here to ask for your support in helping him get back on his feet and on the path to recovery.
Financial Struggles: Navigating the intricacies of our system has revealed a web of challenges. The maximum benefit available to him is just 85% of his normal pay, capped at $1,025 a week, and this is taxable. Additionally, he's required to reimburse his employer $412.15 each month for ongoing health care costs. Making matters more complex, if his income exceeds a certain threshold, he becomes ineligible for assistance.
The financial burden is substantial:
· Rent: $1710
· Electric: $100
· Gas: $100
· Verizon: $100
· Car Insurance: $120
· Debt: $300
· Health Insurance: $412.50
· Hospital deductible: $750 per month until year-end
· Hospital bills, including ambulance: $3610
Our 12-Week Plan: to cover the essential expenses and provide a stable foundation for his recovery, we require a minimum of $3,592.50. This sum doesn't even account for groceries or transportation costs, which are crucial for daily life.
Restoring Dignity and Comfort: When I entered his apartment, I was met with the stark reality of his situation. His mattress, over two decades old, was in a state of disrepair, adding to his physical discomfort. Thankfully, a generous childhood friend has offered to help him acquire a new bed. I've been scouring online marketplaces to enhance his living space so he can return to a home that nurtures his well-being.
Your Invitation to Make a Difference: In this time of need, I humbly ask for your support. If you're able and willing, I encourage you to contribute to this neighbor's journey towards recovery and stability. I've chosen to keep his identity private, respecting his pride and dignity, but he could be anyone – your neighbor, your coworker, your friend. It's astonishing what lies beneath the surface when we take a closer look.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on his life. Together, we can demonstrate the strength of our community and provide him with the hope and assistance he needs to overcome these challenges.
Closing: Thank you for taking the time to read about this important cause. Your generosity will be remembered as an act of compassion and solidarity. Please share this campaign with others who might be willing to make a difference, and let's work together to help our neighbor reclaim his life and his future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Cari + Gino Frederico
Organizer
cari f
Organizer
Scotch Plains, NJ