An Unforgettable Thanksgiving
Donation protected
If you have considered adopting a family for Christmas, here is a family that needs help to pay for unexpected funeral costs for a 42-year-old husband, dad, and veteran of the United States Army. Some details have been minimized to protect the family’s privacy but when you read between the lines, you will see the children in this story really need something to believe in this holiday season.
On Thanksgiving Day this year, Kelly Meyer, 38, and Brian Meyer, 42, both suffered serious medical events. Kelly found Brian unresponsive in their bedroom and called 911. When paramedics arrived, Kelly was faint and disoriented from a panic attack and was also rushed to the hospital, losing consciousness in the ambulance. Sadly, Brian died at the hospital and Kelly remained unconscious until receiving an emergency Aortic Valve replacement. Three weeks later, she is still recovering in the ICU from complications and other medical conditions. Brian and Kelly were high school sweethearts. They were married 14 years had three children together: Sebastian, Brookelynn and Delaney, who were raised -- during a period of turmoil -- by Kelly’s mother, Jean, and her brother, Josh.
If you know me, you have probably heard me mention Josh as he has been part of my family for 18 years. In 2002, Josh worked for my dad, and my parents supported him through some major personal struggles that haunt him to this day. Josh is kind-hearted and thoughtful, but he can’t seem to catch a break. He moved to Charleston, S.C. for a fresh start when my parents retired here, but wound up moving his mother, nieces, and nephew down to live with him not long after. My mother, Lois, enjoyed introducing the girls to soccer and other hobbies while they lived in South Carolina.
In the past two years, Kelly and Brian reunited and brought the kids, now in 9th grade, 8th grade and 6th grade, back to N.J. to live under one roof as a family. Since Brian’s death and Kelly’s emergency surgery, Grandma Jean is doing her best to provide meals and pay bills with limited mobility and finances. My hope is that this community will rally around this family to cover funeral costs and help them prepare for an uncertain future. What happens now will absolutely shape the attitudes and ambitions of three kids who have already lived through more trauma than they realize.
Sebastian wants to be a Police Officer; he’s quiet and spends a lot of time alone in his room. Brookelynn is bubbly: she loves being with friends and playing Soccer and the Clarinet. Delaney is a gifted sixth grader who helps take care of her three younger half siblings. She escapes into young romance and thriller novels and writes chapters for a book she hopes to publish when she turns 18. These are the crucial childhood years that shape adults lives and decisions. If we can come together with compassion to reduce the burden of debt on this family, we will help create an opportunity for three kids who may not otherwise follow their passions and prioritize education.
Me and Josh
Brookelynn
Delaney
Sebastian
On Thanksgiving Day this year, Kelly Meyer, 38, and Brian Meyer, 42, both suffered serious medical events. Kelly found Brian unresponsive in their bedroom and called 911. When paramedics arrived, Kelly was faint and disoriented from a panic attack and was also rushed to the hospital, losing consciousness in the ambulance. Sadly, Brian died at the hospital and Kelly remained unconscious until receiving an emergency Aortic Valve replacement. Three weeks later, she is still recovering in the ICU from complications and other medical conditions. Brian and Kelly were high school sweethearts. They were married 14 years had three children together: Sebastian, Brookelynn and Delaney, who were raised -- during a period of turmoil -- by Kelly’s mother, Jean, and her brother, Josh.
If you know me, you have probably heard me mention Josh as he has been part of my family for 18 years. In 2002, Josh worked for my dad, and my parents supported him through some major personal struggles that haunt him to this day. Josh is kind-hearted and thoughtful, but he can’t seem to catch a break. He moved to Charleston, S.C. for a fresh start when my parents retired here, but wound up moving his mother, nieces, and nephew down to live with him not long after. My mother, Lois, enjoyed introducing the girls to soccer and other hobbies while they lived in South Carolina.
In the past two years, Kelly and Brian reunited and brought the kids, now in 9th grade, 8th grade and 6th grade, back to N.J. to live under one roof as a family. Since Brian’s death and Kelly’s emergency surgery, Grandma Jean is doing her best to provide meals and pay bills with limited mobility and finances. My hope is that this community will rally around this family to cover funeral costs and help them prepare for an uncertain future. What happens now will absolutely shape the attitudes and ambitions of three kids who have already lived through more trauma than they realize.
Sebastian wants to be a Police Officer; he’s quiet and spends a lot of time alone in his room. Brookelynn is bubbly: she loves being with friends and playing Soccer and the Clarinet. Delaney is a gifted sixth grader who helps take care of her three younger half siblings. She escapes into young romance and thriller novels and writes chapters for a book she hopes to publish when she turns 18. These are the crucial childhood years that shape adults lives and decisions. If we can come together with compassion to reduce the burden of debt on this family, we will help create an opportunity for three kids who may not otherwise follow their passions and prioritize education.
Me and Josh
BrookelynnDelaneySebastianOrganizer and beneficiary
Kaitlyn Smith
Organizer
Charleston, SC
Joshua Dixon
Beneficiary