Safety Net

“Some things cannot be fixed. They can only be carried.” Megan Devine

As many of you know, Gary Doran was diagnosed with kidney cancer in August, 2017, and despite varied treatments, the disease has been progressing to a terminal state. You can follow Gary's story on Caring Bridge . Our good friend and colleague Janette is lovingly caring for Gary, her partner of sixteen years--including full-time in-home palliative care for the last four months, which means round-the-clock care, including countless hospital visits, blood transfusions, and the day-to-day intimacies of life.

It’s a beautiful act of service Janette provides. Because Gary's care is their priority, she relinquished her sea kayak instructing and guiding work for the season--her primary source of income during most of the year. In addition to helping Gary, Janette also takes care of her elderly mother, whose health has progressively declined over the last five years--which has made these last several months especially challenging.

Through Janette's love and support and other resources, Gary's needs are largely cared for. We’d like to provide Janette a financial safety net for the summer during this time that she's unable to work. Money raised will help her with her living expenses which total about $1,200 a month. This safety net will give her time and support to grieve, heal and reassemble her life after Gary is gone--which sadly will be soon. It will also allow her continued care-giving time with her mother without the added challenge of financial stress.

Many people have asked how they can help Gary and Janette, which is why I set up this Go Fund Me. Our goal is $5000. Your contribution will help Janette through what can only be described as the most beautiful and excruciatingly painful time of her life.

Thank you to everyone in advance.

Lee Richardson