I have created this GoFundMe for my friends, Christine (64) and Fred (63) Jannino. I’ve known them since 2011, when I first hired Fred—an exceptionally skilled residential and commercial painter—for a painting job in Pinellas County. Although we haven’t seen each other in person for more than a decade, we’ve stayed in touch, and I’ve always admired their work ethic, resilience, and kindness.
Their situation is now more dire than anything they’ve faced before.
In December 2025, during a painting job, Fred fell through a rotted staircase and suffered significant injuries. He is still recovering and has been unable to work since the accident. With Fred out of work, their income stopped entirely. At the same time, Christine—who has been in cancer treatment for several years—has had to suspend her radiation therapy and is now overdue for her latest MRI.
As of Friday, May 29, they will have no income, no transportation, and no housing.
Earlier today, Christine reached out to me “with hat in hand,” asking if I could loan them money to get from their current location (North Carolina) back to Florida. Her request was not vague or arbitrary, she provided me with very specific details (dates, times, route, bus fare and oversize luggage charges on Greyhound Bus Line) to support the amount she requested. A small amount of money given their situation. Christine and Fred have never asked me for money before, and I know how much courage it took for her to reach out. I have happily sent them some money directly (not a loan) and made the first contribution to this GoFundMe to help them, but they need more support than I can provide alone.
There is hope waiting for them in Florida. Christine has short-term work lined up, and they have a temporary place to stay once they arrive. Fred has a painting job waiting on him to mend from his injuries. They are doing everything they can to rebuild their lives. Fred has been sober for 22 years, and Christine for nine years. They remain positive and determined, even as fear and uncertainty weigh heavily on them.
If there is any way you can find it in your heart and your budget to make a donation, I would be very grateful, as I know Christine and Fred would be as well. No amount is too small. Together, we can help them get back to Florida to where Christine can resume cancer treatment, Fred can get back on his feet, and they can regain stability during the most difficult chapter of their lives. Thank you!
Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)