Loa is an 86 yr old who has days to weeks left here on earth with us. Cancer is ravaging her body and the doctors say she is terminal. Loa lives with Erin, a woman in her mid-50s who has lived with and cared for Loa for over a decade. They are both low income individuals and have shared household expenses; neither one could make it financially without the other. Loa lives on Social Security, and Erin has a low paying job as a pizza delivery driver. She currently doesn't make enough to pay her own modest living expenses without assistance. Erin will be handling Loa's death affairs and expenses will fall on Erin. Loa's death will leave Erin desperately short of the funds she needs to survive. She faces possible eviction within days or weeks of Loa's death if she can't pay her rent. Your contributions will help her give Loa the proper cremation/burial she desires, and allow Erin to pay rent, car insurance, utilities, etc. until she can find a new roommate or transition to a different living situation.

We have lowered our goal to $15,000, because Loa's sister and husband have said they will try to cover her cremation cost. However, there still remain many expenses incidental to Loa's death, eg, transporting her ashes to the cemetery in Santa Fe where her husband is buried, taking unpaid time off from work to visit Loa in comfort care, administer Loa's will, etc., and likely relocation on Erin's part to more affordable housing--if it can be found. Any deposits at new location, etc. Their car also needs several costly repairs. The car is essential to Erin's ability to perform her job.

UPDATE

Loa passed away peacefully this morning, December 17th. Erin will now be busy making her final arrangements, which could mean some time off from work, unpaid. This is a hard time emotionally for Erin, also. She lived with and cared for Loa for 11 years. She was a faithful friend to the very end, visiting her almost every day as she lay dying. Her absence will be deeply felt. And yet Erin, who is struggling with her own health problems, must carry on..

Through the donations of others, Ein has been able to pay her January rent. There still remain many expenses to fulfill Loa's dying wish to buried next to her husband in Santa Fe, to get Erin's car repaired, and to buy time for Erin to transition to her new situation when she has heretofore been financially dependent upon Loa paying her share of their living expenses.

Please continue to donate as your heart and finances allow, and to share this need with others who may be able to help. God bless you a million times over for your generosity during this sad and trying time for Loa and Erin.

UPDATE, 12/23/2025: The challenges continue to crop up. There is now a strong possibility that Erin may need minor surgery on her wrists. That means more downtime with more lost wages. Your donations are and will be critical to her ability to keep her head above water financially during this difficult time. Please keep her in your prayers. We sincerely thank you for your many kindnesses.