Foster Mom in Hospice - Burial Fund
Donation protected
LONGTIME FOSTER MOM NEEDS HELP!
** 40 kids fostered in over 22 years **
UPDATE: Sarah passed quietly surrounded by her children last evening, June 4, 2017:
Her story as originally posted:
My name is Beth Wickersham Whitton and I have known and loved Sarah and her children for over 6 years. I live close to the family in Maple Valley, WA. I help the family with anything and everything that comes up and that now includes the burial of their Mom and the care and continuation of the children's lives now that their Mom has passed. Yesterday we opened an account at BECU separate from my personal accounts and these funds will be used immediately for the funeral home arrangements through Barton's funeral home in Renton, her burial at a cemetery located in Kent, WA where her husband rests, payment of rent and utilities for the children, a family vehicle as there is not one at this time, and incidentals for the children. GOFUNDME has asked for that disclosure and currently has this campaign on hold. I am named in Sarah's will, am "Auntie" to all the children and have nothing but love and wisdom to share with these children and all with the blessing of Sarah.
Thank you. Again, her original story:
Sarah is currently under hospice care with only two of her adopted foster children (ages 11 and 25) remaining in the home due to her failing health. With the complications of COPD, CHF (congestive heart failure), kidney failure, and diabetes, she is not a candidate for dialysis and will continue to leave our lives as her body continues to shut down.
There are those that have suggested cremation as a sound financial decision - however, Sarah's children wish that she never be "set on fire" again - as she had been as a child by her own father. Sarah was able to escape a childhood that would make many of us question how she ever grew into a woman with so much love and kindness.
This GOFUNDME page is a plea for help on behalf of the children to have the means to provide a proper burial and rememberance of this "saint" who gave so much to others. Sarah's wish is to be buried in the same cemetery as her husband, and there is a plot 8 rows away that is available.
Sarah is a 54 year old woman who has dedicated her life to helping children who were not cared for or kept safe by their biological parent(s). She became a foster WonderMOM over 22 years ago. Sarah, having been raised in a orphanage, married the love of her life in 1997 and began a path of making sure children felt the love and comfort of a home because it was something she never had herself. Throughout her married life, and continuing after her husband's sudden death in 2009. Sarah fostered over 40 children. Her heart was especially drawn to the "hard to place" girls within the foster system who had reached ages where they weren't so "desireable" and/or had behavioral issues. However, she has also fostered children as young as 9 months old. Over her 20+ years of fostering, Sarah adopted six children from foster care AND is still in touch with and referred to as MOM by 30 of her foster children.
HOW WOULD THE FUNDS BE SPENT?
The cost of a plot near her husband is $5,000.00 and with the expense of a funeral home and casket, I'd estimate a total cost of around $8,000.00. The remainder of this fund would be used to help the eldest return to work after caring for her Mom so that she is able to support and raise her youngest "sister". It is a big ask - but for a really big hearted woman and her children.
Imagine impacting the lives of over 40 children. Sarah has given so much love and light to the lives of others, that it just seems fair to have her shown our admiration and thanks in lighting the way for her to be put to rest with love and dignity. Time is of essence as we have no guarantee of how much longer Sarah can hold on. It is my hope through this fundraising and the blessing of others that the children will have a voice (and means), once their Mom passes at home, to take the immediate action that will be required for her final arrangements.
Thank you for your time in reading this. If you are unable to donate financially, it would be just as wonderful if you would share this link with those you love.
- An admirer of and witness to Sarah's loving legacy.
** 40 kids fostered in over 22 years **
UPDATE: Sarah passed quietly surrounded by her children last evening, June 4, 2017:
Her story as originally posted:
My name is Beth Wickersham Whitton and I have known and loved Sarah and her children for over 6 years. I live close to the family in Maple Valley, WA. I help the family with anything and everything that comes up and that now includes the burial of their Mom and the care and continuation of the children's lives now that their Mom has passed. Yesterday we opened an account at BECU separate from my personal accounts and these funds will be used immediately for the funeral home arrangements through Barton's funeral home in Renton, her burial at a cemetery located in Kent, WA where her husband rests, payment of rent and utilities for the children, a family vehicle as there is not one at this time, and incidentals for the children. GOFUNDME has asked for that disclosure and currently has this campaign on hold. I am named in Sarah's will, am "Auntie" to all the children and have nothing but love and wisdom to share with these children and all with the blessing of Sarah.
Thank you. Again, her original story:
Sarah is currently under hospice care with only two of her adopted foster children (ages 11 and 25) remaining in the home due to her failing health. With the complications of COPD, CHF (congestive heart failure), kidney failure, and diabetes, she is not a candidate for dialysis and will continue to leave our lives as her body continues to shut down.
There are those that have suggested cremation as a sound financial decision - however, Sarah's children wish that she never be "set on fire" again - as she had been as a child by her own father. Sarah was able to escape a childhood that would make many of us question how she ever grew into a woman with so much love and kindness.
This GOFUNDME page is a plea for help on behalf of the children to have the means to provide a proper burial and rememberance of this "saint" who gave so much to others. Sarah's wish is to be buried in the same cemetery as her husband, and there is a plot 8 rows away that is available.
Sarah is a 54 year old woman who has dedicated her life to helping children who were not cared for or kept safe by their biological parent(s). She became a foster WonderMOM over 22 years ago. Sarah, having been raised in a orphanage, married the love of her life in 1997 and began a path of making sure children felt the love and comfort of a home because it was something she never had herself. Throughout her married life, and continuing after her husband's sudden death in 2009. Sarah fostered over 40 children. Her heart was especially drawn to the "hard to place" girls within the foster system who had reached ages where they weren't so "desireable" and/or had behavioral issues. However, she has also fostered children as young as 9 months old. Over her 20+ years of fostering, Sarah adopted six children from foster care AND is still in touch with and referred to as MOM by 30 of her foster children.
HOW WOULD THE FUNDS BE SPENT?
The cost of a plot near her husband is $5,000.00 and with the expense of a funeral home and casket, I'd estimate a total cost of around $8,000.00. The remainder of this fund would be used to help the eldest return to work after caring for her Mom so that she is able to support and raise her youngest "sister". It is a big ask - but for a really big hearted woman and her children.
Imagine impacting the lives of over 40 children. Sarah has given so much love and light to the lives of others, that it just seems fair to have her shown our admiration and thanks in lighting the way for her to be put to rest with love and dignity. Time is of essence as we have no guarantee of how much longer Sarah can hold on. It is my hope through this fundraising and the blessing of others that the children will have a voice (and means), once their Mom passes at home, to take the immediate action that will be required for her final arrangements.
Thank you for your time in reading this. If you are unable to donate financially, it would be just as wonderful if you would share this link with those you love.
- An admirer of and witness to Sarah's loving legacy.
Organizer and beneficiary
Beth Wickersham Whitton
Organizer
Maple Valley, WA
Elizabeth Whitton
Beneficiary
