For Allary, After Jason

Dear Friends,

As most of you know our beloved Jason Hamel passed away on July 16th.

Jason was a quadriplegic for 34 of his nearly 53 years. As a result of this, much of his care was provided by the state, home care workers, his parents, and of course Allary.

Allary met Jason in 2007. They fell in love, she moved in, and they were engaged by Christmas of 2009.

They didn't marry for fear of jeopardizing Jason’s care, and for the insurmountable burden that might leave Allary financially responsible. As a result of this cautious decision, Allary now has no claim to his Social Security.

Jason did not have life insurance.

Allary has been with him for all the moments we take for granted; everything from helping him to blow his own nose and scratching his head, to imagining physical intimacy between them, and dreaming about vacations that they could never take.

She has worked part-time for years to cover the hours of Jason's home care workers that, put simply, were lax about their commitment to him.

The house that she lived in with Jason and his family, is still her home, yet nothing is in her name.

All of this is mentioned because although we all cared for and loved Jason, it has been Allary who has been there day in and day out for over 15 years, steadfastly at his side.

Jason's passing was sudden, but like with all those who have lost someone, for those remaining, life goes on.

They have been "Jason and Allary" for such a long time, it's difficult, almost strange, to think of one without the other.

Heartbreakingly, this is her challenge moving forward.

It is both inspiring and admirable that not a single moment with him was out of obligation. It was always done wholeheartedly, and unconditionally, because she loved him.

If you are able, please consider donating to assist this incredibly beautiful woman's daunting adjustment of learning how to just be Allary again.

With Love,