My name is Abigail. I am hoping to raise some money for my older sister Kristen and her family. On Monday, August 26, Kristen’s husband, Gregg Rivard, passed away at home after a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Gregg was initially diagnosed in October 2022 and was given a poor prognosis and 6-months to live. He fought like a warrior for almost 2 years, with Kristen by his side every step of the way. Gregg fought hard to stick around for Kristen and his kids, Violet (8) and Andrew (24). His body held out as long as it could.

Gregg was an amazing guy who was loved by a lot of people. Most of all, he was loved fiercely by Kristen who took the best care of him during his illness. She was his caregiver and advocate. She has been through so much. Those of you that know Kristen, know that she is natural caregiver. Taking care of others is her love language for sure. She has worked with children with disabilities for a long time, often with the most challenging and at need kiddos. The toughest kids are usually her favorites and she is so passionate about what she does. She takes care of her family day in and day out, and always made sure Gregg had what he needed and that he was as comfortable and happy as possible. Managed doctors appointments and treatments. Setting up whatever services he needed. Researching everything. All while raising their 8 year old daughter Violet and chauffeuring her to dance class and acting class and making sure she is at every single school event….and trying to finish her Ph.D….. she is literally superwoman! I don’t know how she does it all and Gregg would brag about her to anyone who would listen. He was so proud of her!

Gregg was a generous and giving friend that would help any one in need if he could. He was the love of her life and she is understandably devastated by his loss. He will be missed more than I can possibly put into words. Understandably, my sister is not in the condition to work right now. She has exhausted all of her paid time off at her job caring for Gregg. Her daughter Violet is 8 years old. She is the most important person in the world to all of us, and it breaks my heart that she has to process losing her father at such a young age. She needs her mom right now and Kristen needs some breathing room.

I am asking those in Kristen and Gregg’s village help me to take care of her for a change. I’d love for her to be able to take some time off from work to recover and grieve without having to worry about the bills rolling in. Or to have food delivered when she has no energy to cook. Or to pay for some of Gregg’s multiple medical bills. I know that times are tough right now and money is tight for everyone. But if everyone could give a little bit, it all adds up quickly and would be a major help for Kristen and Violet to start to heal.