Supporting the Parkinson Family

My name is Abby Parkinson, and I have a monumental favor to ask. Right now, my family is in a crisis. My father has cancer and is slowly dying.

My dad, Nat Parkinson, and mom, Andi, have been married 32 years and spent 28 of them raising their family in Monmouth, Maine. My younger sister Gillian has severe autism, lives full-time at home, and requires round-the-clock care. I live away from home, and our mother serves as the primary caregiver and sole source of income for the household.

Our father has worn many hats; as an insurance agent for AFLAC for many years, an author of his “Bishop and the Pixies” series, and proud supporter of our local cat shelter PALS, which to this day still receives all proceeds from his Christmas mini-novel in the series. Our mother has been involved in politics since the 2009 initiative to enact LGBT+ marriage in the state of Maine and has used her sense of justice and fierce protective spirit to become a journalist and activist. She has spent years off and on doing her part within Kennebec Valley, and now is a leader within the Friends of Cobbossee Watershed ensuring the ecological safety of our beloved lakes and rivers.

As the primary caregiver, Andi needs help to make sure her husband is comfortable, and that involves re-arranging their home to move Nat to the second floor, and transform the two back bedrooms into a mini-apartment for him and his emotional support cat Cheez-It. He is unable to consistently go upstairs anymore, and moving his bedroom to the first floor will give him easy access to the restroom, his comfy chair, and if needed, the door for EMTs in emergency circumstances.

To do this, we need a few things:

A dumpster, as well as a crew of able-bodied individuals to assist clearing out the house.

A cleaning crew to assist in turning the two bedrooms mentioned into a sterile environment.

A vehicle to bring donatable goods to Goodwill/etc.

Possible in-home care staff for Nat.

In the event that this fundraiser ends up achieving its goal, any additional funds will be allocated to paying the mortgage and bills for the house, so our family can afford as much time as possible to spend with our dad. Nat’s concern is that his family be able to stay afloat. Any and all donations are appreciated. If you like, send pictures of your own pets or silly animal pictures to lift everyone’s spirits!