My name is Cynthia Hooker.

I am humbly asking for financial help as my father Fred Hamlow passed away recently due to his battle with dementia. Dementia is a horrible disease for the bearer and the family.

I am Fred’s and my 7-year-old grandson Nehemiah’s’ caregiver; my only income has come from caregiving for my dad for many years. Now that he passed, I need help paying for his final expenses, rent, utilities, etc. until I can find a new job and get on my feet.

I am facing eviction from our landlord; he has given me until November 15 to come up with the rent or he will start the process. I have been a good long-term tenant, without ever being late on my rent.

My beloved father Fred was a national hero. SSG Fred Hamlow served in the Vietnam War. He spent 20 years serving the United States Army. He was honorably discharged and was disability due to the injuries he received bravely fighting the war in Vietnam.

Fred came home to his loving family and wife of 29 years Judy Hamlow, my mother. Fred and Judy were high school sweethearts. Fred’s beloved wife Judy passed September 16th, 1998. We were devastated but I knew my father needed care. My father came to live with me and my family.

Juggling many hats during those days I worked as a Counseling Technician, a Career Tech. & a SPED teacher's assistant for 16 years. I worked for ESUHSD while raising my children with my fiancée Chauncey until my dads’ disability became so severe, I had to quit my jobs and devote my time to him.

I woke up one morning on Easter Sunday to learn that my fiancé Chauncey had passed in his sleep. The loss of Chauncey was a blow to my family. I persevered only to be struck by tragedy again exactly 1 year later when I lost my beautiful daughter Destiny and grandson Noah in a car accident. Miraculously baby Nehemiah survived. I have been his only caretaker since. I have been blessed to raise him as my daughter would have wanted.

I have always had trouble asking for help. The VA has graciously been assisting us honoring my dad. We are grateful for the assistance they have provided. Even with that help, the cost is still too great for me to bear. I humbly ask for help us lay our fallen hero to rest and get through this season.

Any amount that you can provide will be a giant Blessing to me and my 7-year-old Grandson Nehemiah.

I understand with the economy the way it is you may not be able to help so I do ask that you pray for us.

Thank you so much for your love, support and spending a moment with me.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Hooker