Creating Hope for the Carbone Family

Lots of us have friends that we consider to be family, even when they're not related to us at all. For me, that family is the Carbones. They have played such an important part in my life, since I was a child, and now in my own children's lives. Many of you reading this are aware of the recent passing of their dad/husband, Tom Carbone. This happened just 2 years ago. I say "just" because 2 years can sound long, but for this family, and his close loved ones, it's still SO fresh;  an everyday battle of continued grieving. Sadly, life doesn't always care about mourning the way that human beings do. Bills still need to be paid, work still expects us to show up, school still needs to be attended and our homes still need to be maintained.

Unfortunately, Tom wasn't the only one who was ailing. His wife, Kathy has been living for years with a kidney disease. While she waits for her name to be called on the donor list for a kidney, she continues to receive dialysis (along with a long list of other treatments) and is unable to maintain a steady income.

I recently learned that Jackie (one of Tom and Kathy's daughters), is in need of  money (they don't have!) in order to finish her degree, which is to become a radiology technician. Her dream to be in this  field is extra special because it was planted by her dad, who was unable to beat cancer. Shortly after hearing this, it was brought to my attention that Kathy may need to sell their home in order to make ends meet. This broke my heart!

Selfishly, I just can't imagine that home being out of my life when the doors have been open to me since I was a little girl. I ran away from home to this house, I babysat at this house, I hung out with friends at this house, and I've had countless meals and celebrations at this house. But more importantly, it crushed me because I can't even begin to imagine how hard this will be for the Carbones on top of all the other things in life they are having to deal with.  

This is the short version of some of the struggles that they are dealing with. While I wish it could be in the cards for my family and I to be able to help financially, turning to the many people that love this family felt like the more hopeful thing to do. No member of the Carbone family would ever reach out for help on their own. Instead, they would probably go in debt giving to others first! I'm hoping to shine a little ray of hope on this family's life by reaching out for help more broadly, because a little bit from a lot of people can go such a long way!

Any money given to this fund will be directly used for school loans, bills, and relief of other necessary life expenses. If you are unable to give financially, please know that I personally am beyond grateful for your prayers. I trust that God will provide for this family, and that doesn't always come with a dollar sign. Many of you have already helped this family in so many ways with your acts of service, love and comfort. Those things are more important than any dollar amount, and from the bottom of my heart, I couldn't be more thankful.  Let's help these guys get through their tough times and give them hope for the best, in any way can!

We love you, Carbone Crew!!!