Friars 87 Fund
Donation protected
As members of the Providence College family, we are reaching out today to ask for your support in helping one of our very own Friars – Kathleen Hussey (O’Brien) 87’ and her family.
Many of you know Kathy. She is a wonderful friend and always carries a bright smile and fierce spirit of determination. She has raised a family on her own, serving as their emotional rock, greatest fan and financial provider. She has managed to provide for her four children through very difficult times as a single mom – even when she was fighting breast cancer just a short time ago undergoing extensive surgery and chemotherapy. All who know “Huss”, knew cancer didn’t have a chance against her. She credits her children’s love as her source of strength. Kathy knows too well the pain and loss of parents, losing both her father and mother to cancer many years ago.
Unfortunately, life has been extremely challenging for Kathy and her children over the past 12 months. Through events beyond her control, the family is under significant financial strain at this time that requires immediate attention – these expenses include personal medical expenses, living expenses, and educational expenses for her children. Also, her son Paul, is battling the demons of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The onset of Paul’s mental illness was sparked by horrific gay bullying, both physical and social media assaults at the hands of his peers when he was only 12 years old in 6th grade, continuing through 8th grade until he had to leave his neighborhood school due to fear and devastation. Paul’s middle school and high school years were a mix of suicide crisis prevention interventions, short term hospital stays, and a 3 year residential therapeutic high school in CT, over 2 hours away from his family and childhood community. His story is a real tragedy. Although, he made strides over these years, he is not able to break the grip of the darkness, go to school or work, nor manage everyday routines and life demands. Paul requires extensive treatment and care to continue to heal deep wounds, develop life skills and executive functionality. Kathy is taking a leave of absence from her job to be by his side, to share her strength and positivity in his efforts to grow, thrive and simply be happy. With Huss by his side during this time, Paul will finally beat these demons. Her grit and zest for life are perfect for this battle. Maybe Paul will be able to pursue his artistic passions of acting and more someday. That would be a great outcome after all his efforts and hard work to be whole again.
It’s unimaginable the stress that Kathy and her family have experienced. Her efforts have been heroic during this time – keeping up a good attitude, being there every day in every way for her children and shielding them from the weight upon her shoulders. Kathy shared her fears and sought advice from a few of us from class of 1987 to keep her family afloat during the next 6 months during her leave. She was seeking information about foundations and scholarships.
But, once we understood the complete situation, a group of the PC class of 87 jumped in. To start the process of helping Kathy and her children, a trust has been created to help offset these mounting expenses as well as future expenses for medical, living, and education – much needed aid to begin living without the heavy burdens and stress. The name of the trust is the FRIARS 87 FUND. Living, medical, and educational expenses will be managed and paid directly by the fund for the short term. Huss is very humbled and overwhelmed by our help. She prefers to be behind the scenes, helping others with her kindness. Her story is a bit private too. But, she considers “Friars” an extension of her family, like we all do. Once a Friar, always a Friar.
Now, we are asking the extended PC family for some “Friar Love”. Kathy and her children could really use our help today.
As we all learned during our time at PC, we are committed to faith, community, and the service of God and our neighbors. It’s a challenge like this that the Friar family comes together to help one another. Friars Forever!
Thank you in advance
The Friars 87 Fund
Thomas Moylan, 87’– Trustee
Michael Glynn, 87’ – Trustee
Michael Kirkwood, 87’ - Secretary
Many of you know Kathy. She is a wonderful friend and always carries a bright smile and fierce spirit of determination. She has raised a family on her own, serving as their emotional rock, greatest fan and financial provider. She has managed to provide for her four children through very difficult times as a single mom – even when she was fighting breast cancer just a short time ago undergoing extensive surgery and chemotherapy. All who know “Huss”, knew cancer didn’t have a chance against her. She credits her children’s love as her source of strength. Kathy knows too well the pain and loss of parents, losing both her father and mother to cancer many years ago.
Unfortunately, life has been extremely challenging for Kathy and her children over the past 12 months. Through events beyond her control, the family is under significant financial strain at this time that requires immediate attention – these expenses include personal medical expenses, living expenses, and educational expenses for her children. Also, her son Paul, is battling the demons of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The onset of Paul’s mental illness was sparked by horrific gay bullying, both physical and social media assaults at the hands of his peers when he was only 12 years old in 6th grade, continuing through 8th grade until he had to leave his neighborhood school due to fear and devastation. Paul’s middle school and high school years were a mix of suicide crisis prevention interventions, short term hospital stays, and a 3 year residential therapeutic high school in CT, over 2 hours away from his family and childhood community. His story is a real tragedy. Although, he made strides over these years, he is not able to break the grip of the darkness, go to school or work, nor manage everyday routines and life demands. Paul requires extensive treatment and care to continue to heal deep wounds, develop life skills and executive functionality. Kathy is taking a leave of absence from her job to be by his side, to share her strength and positivity in his efforts to grow, thrive and simply be happy. With Huss by his side during this time, Paul will finally beat these demons. Her grit and zest for life are perfect for this battle. Maybe Paul will be able to pursue his artistic passions of acting and more someday. That would be a great outcome after all his efforts and hard work to be whole again.
It’s unimaginable the stress that Kathy and her family have experienced. Her efforts have been heroic during this time – keeping up a good attitude, being there every day in every way for her children and shielding them from the weight upon her shoulders. Kathy shared her fears and sought advice from a few of us from class of 1987 to keep her family afloat during the next 6 months during her leave. She was seeking information about foundations and scholarships.
But, once we understood the complete situation, a group of the PC class of 87 jumped in. To start the process of helping Kathy and her children, a trust has been created to help offset these mounting expenses as well as future expenses for medical, living, and education – much needed aid to begin living without the heavy burdens and stress. The name of the trust is the FRIARS 87 FUND. Living, medical, and educational expenses will be managed and paid directly by the fund for the short term. Huss is very humbled and overwhelmed by our help. She prefers to be behind the scenes, helping others with her kindness. Her story is a bit private too. But, she considers “Friars” an extension of her family, like we all do. Once a Friar, always a Friar.
Now, we are asking the extended PC family for some “Friar Love”. Kathy and her children could really use our help today.
As we all learned during our time at PC, we are committed to faith, community, and the service of God and our neighbors. It’s a challenge like this that the Friar family comes together to help one another. Friars Forever!
Thank you in advance
The Friars 87 Fund
Thomas Moylan, 87’– Trustee
Michael Glynn, 87’ – Trustee
Michael Kirkwood, 87’ - Secretary
Organizer and beneficiary
Michael Kirkwood
Organizer
Bernards Township, NJ
Thomas Moylan
Beneficiary
