My mother, Loretta passed away November 7th with family surrounding her. My brother and I had to make one of the most difficult decisions we will probably have to make in our lifetime. We together decided that our mother would not want to live a life fully supported by a ventilator and tubes. She’s fought a hard life for a very long time. She’s is now free and showing us signs left and right that she is with us. We are going to miss her, life is scary without your mother, especially at such a young age.

We are now asking for any donations, no matter how small to help us cover funeral expenses and give my mother the goodbye she deserves.

On Wednesday afternoon, my world stopped. My mom went unresponsive in my arms and I had to perform CPR on her myself until help arrived. The paramedics were able to bring her back, but she has suffered brain damage and had to be flown by helicopter to the ICU here in Sioux Falls.

She’s been completely unresponsive since then and is on a ventilator until further notice. We are waiting until Sunday to do an MRI to see the extent of the damage. The next few days and weeks are unknown.

I’ve managed to stay at a hotel the last few nights as they won’t let me stay past 9 pm, but the expenses are adding up so fast. I’m asking for help so I can afford food, gas, and somewhere to stay close to her while she continues her journey.

Any donation, no matter how small, would help me stay by her side and focus on her instead of worrying about the cost of being here right now. Even if you can’t donate, please share this and send prayers or positive thoughts for her recovery.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support. - Kayla Stapleton