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Financial Support for Shirlene Marquis Vitale

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UPDATE:

Please see the update to my mom’s story below…

On February 12th, 2020, Shirlene’s husband, Michael Vitale lost his battle with mental illness and addiction when he unexpectedly took his own life.  Although he had his demons and struggled with remaining stable, it was evident that he loved the Lord, his family and wife with all of his heart.  

The year leading up to his passing was one of great distress for Shirlene who worked tirelessly with odd jobs to keep the household afloat as his addiction, anxiety and depression kept him from being able to sustain employment since the fall of 2019.  What we didn’t know at the time, is that she was beginning to show early signs of dementia that was being exasperated by the stress they were experiencing through these ups and downs.  This new diagnosis of early-onset dementia has started to present this last year with symptoms which have made it more and more difficult for her to sustain full-time/ gainful employment as she has difficulty with daily tasks such as managing a schedule/ calendar, use of her phone, problems with finding words, concentration and other memory tasks. There is a window of time now while she struggles to maintain full-time work at minimum wage and when she will cross the threshold of our ability to apply for her for Social Security Disability benefits.  And although work is beneficial for her brain, it has become more and more difficult for her to manage a minimum income and to cover the basic bills and expenses to live independently.  The hope is she can maintain independence and her ability to work as long as possible because it’s healthy for her condition but also be able to sustain her financially until she can apply for and receive income benefits as her ability to work full-time decreases. Anything generously donated will help her through this new phase and in-between time/ transition in her life. 

With her progressing condition, the greatest need at this time is not just for finances to cover the immediate financial obligations for monthly bills, food and gas but also social interactions with family and friends which is also important for her well-being and building/ retaining function.  She has been sustained by her faith, the prayers of many, and the loving support of her close friends and family.  And I have seen God provide miraculously since Mike’s passing with meeting her needs on numerous occasions. Things have come out of the woodwork at all the crucial times.  Even this week, a friend generously covered a hazmat bill that resulted from Mike’s passing and this has blessed her immensely. I have witnessed firsthand that God truly takes care of the widows. Any donations would be humbly appreciated and would bless her.  Thank you in advance for your generous donation. ❤️
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $50
    • 3 yrs
  • Kathleen Howell
    • $10
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $40
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $30
    • 4 yrs
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Fundraising team: Fundraiser Team (2)

Michelle Perko
Organizer
Parker, CO
Michael Herrera
Team member

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