Ease Myers Family Financial Strain

Dear friends—Just before 2:30 on Sunday afternoon, Rebecca passed away with Jamie and Kanani holding her and playing Hawaiian music in her ear.

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August 24 afternoon update: Rebecca is in emergency surgery for a perforated bowel. They plan to remove at least three feet of her colon. There’s a concern that her heart, kidneys, and other ailments will make her recovery very difficult.

Kanani is on her way to Ohio tonight.

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In mid-July, our mom was admitted to the hospital with several serious health issues, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), gastrointestinal complications, and low kidney function. This has been a challenging and uncertain time for our family as we focus on supporting her recovery.

My sister, Jamie, has been a crucial part of this support. She was able to take time off work using her Paid Time Off (PTO) to be by our mom's side, ensuring she receives the care and attention she needs. However, Jamie has now exhausted her PTO. Fortunately, she is on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, which guarantees her job will be waiting for her when she returns. However, FMLA leave is unpaid, meaning she won't have any income during this period.

Recently, our mom was readmitted to the hospital due to worsening symptoms, and she will now need to undergo dialysis. This has added another layer of difficulty to the situation, as her treatment will require even more time and care.

I am located out of state and have just started a new job, which makes it difficult for me to be there in person, although it is easier than when I lived overseas. Jamie is carrying the load almost entirely on her own, making the financial strain a real concern. They need help covering essential expenses like rent, utilities, and gas for the frequent 30-minute drives to and from the hospital. Without support, these costs could become overwhelming.

We are reaching out to ask for any financial assistance that could help alleviate some of the burdens during this difficult time. Every little bit helps and will go directly towards ensuring they can focus on mom’s health without the added stress of financial worries.