Funding Cheryl Reed's Unfinished Mission and family expenses

Hi! My name is Jenny Foley Kogos. I'm writing this with such a heavy heart, for the greatest friend, sister, mother, wife, and aunt, Cheryl Palmisano Reed, that I'll ever have the privilege of knowing and loving, went Home to be with the Lord, on Saturday, April 27, 2024. My only consolation is that she is with the Lord, whom she loved above anyone. It's us, who are left behind, who truly suffer. We are all devastated beyond measure, each in our own way, as Cheryl took the time with all of her loved ones, to make each one of us feel that we were the most special to her. She was a true minister of God, who touched so many lives, especially women's lives. Each and every life she touched, was forever changed for the greater good. Cheryl got the news that her cancer had spread everywhere. With so many plans of ministry to others and so much life to live, she truly believed that the Lord would heal her! In sharing one of many Amazing stories about Cheryl, I am hoping that my own humbling story of need, may help you to begin to understand and grasp the true power and the gift she had for helping others.

In 2016, my life came crashing down on me. I had a medical emergency that was life or death, depending on whether I got the help I needed. My little girl wasn't even 2 yrs old, Gabriella, and perhaps I had waited too long already to seek treatment, as she is my world. As a single mom, we often put our healths aside, as our children are number one priority. Cheryl came to me, without knowing what was really going on or the depths of my illness, and told me that the Lord had asked her to take care of my daughter so I could focus on me and get well. Whatever length of time it took, she was ready. Without additional resources to help her with Gabriella's care, she was unwavered. She told me, " I will love your daughter, as my own, and honor your relationship. I will raise her to know that her mom loved her so much, she was willing to let someone else who loved her, take care of her when she couldn't. Most important, she said "and then I will return her to you, on a moment's notice, regardless of what I will feel, because she is your precious little girl and I know how much you love her and she loves you. "

As Cheryl had faced so many obstacles in her own life and as a mother, she simply wanted to do for another woman what she so desperately wished would've been done for her. Rather than remaining bitter and resentful, she relished at the chance to change the course of another mother and her child. When she finished telling me just how much she loved me and respected me, as a woman and mother, and told me how she was just doing the will of God, I packed my daughter's things and brought her to her home away from home, without hesitation. Cheryl, and her husband, Daniel, took care of my daughter in my greatest hour of need. They did so without hesitation. A little girl grows fast at such an age, and needs a mother figure. Most importantly, she cared for my Gabriella, as her own, until I was strong enough to pick up where we left off. The Reed's loved my little angel for over 6 months! In early April, they got the call that they knew would come. I was ready to come get my baby. As promised in the beginning, Gabriella was returned to me a healthier, unbelievably loved and happy little girl. All of her new belongings were packed so that she had her new favorite things at our home. Cheryl was always worried about stepping on my toes or being looked at as the better mother, to those that knew our situation. She would fade into the background whenever she brought Gabriella to visit me, and remained ever faithfully, my sister and dear friend, first. I knew when I came to get her that day, that I was ripping my child out of Cheryls arms, and this would cause her pain, as she had grown to love her, as her own . I swore this would be different for both of us. I have since shared my daughter with Uncle Danno and Aunt ReRe, each and every summer and as many weekends as possible. I have honored what no one else in this world was willing or able to do for me, in making sure that their roles in her life never changed. Cheryl was the best example I knew of all the character traits I wanted to give and be to my daughter. My daughter and I were so blessed beyond measure.

I have often thought that I would never ever be able to explain my gratitude, my love for this woman to others. I knew without doubt that I would never be able to repay her for the precious gifts of life, love, hope and family, that she so selflessly bestowed upon me. Until now.

Cheryl kept her illness very private, for several reasons. First and foremost, she thought she would be healed. She never,ever planned on dying and leaving all who loved her so dearly. Why would she discuss such devastating findings, if she believed the Lord would heal her? She was thinking only about how she would impact other women, when the healing miracle finally came. She felt her suffering was so, so that others suffered less or none at all. There are so few people in this world like my dear Cheryl. Thousands of dollars were spent on her healing. She and her husband worked together at his office. If he went to work, he did so many times alone. He worked so little in this past year, especially since the new year. With no money coming in, they relied on the Lord to figure that out later and depleted all of their savings, all of their hopes and dreams. There was nothing more important than healing Cheryl. God had other plans, though. On April 27th, Saturday, she went to be with the Lord. She had just come home from the hospital, with renewed faith that God was going to perform a miracle. Perhaps it was such, just not the one we were hoping for here on Earth. He brought his dear Cheryl home. She closed her eyes and never woke up.

Many people have mixed views when people ask for monetary help in times like these. Please know that I am trying to help this family in such a devastating time. I have prayed to have guidance and the courage to do the best I can for my dear friend and her immediate family in a time like this. I have arranged a celebration of life, with her family, to cherish her memory and to honor her, following the funeral services. So many people are wanting to come and have offered so much help, saying how much Cheryl did for them, as well. That's when I knew this fundraiser was not only desperately needed but so many have wanted to give back to her and her husband, as they were blessed by them. The funeral services alone are nearing 10,000$ alone, and the celebration we are putting together to honor her will be atleast a few thousand. If anything is raised above and beyond those two needs, we will fund a memorial fund in her name, to carry on her legacy of helping women in need. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come celebrate the life of my bestie, Cheryl P Reed, on May 18th, at their family home, in Independence, Louisiana, regardless of whether or not you donate. The address is 52756 S. Bennett Rd. We will video tape it if anyone would like a copy. You are welcome to call me with questions or comments, Jenny. I want to thank each and every one who donates to her family, ahead of time and let you know that your gift will be so desperately used to pay for the outstanding bills incurred during this time of need. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope that this begins my journey to attempt to repay my dear Cheryl for all that she has done for me. She would've done it again, of the need arised. Please know that she is forever in our hearts and stories, that she is so sorely missed, that she left behind 4 beautiful children and an amazing husband, and that she will never be forgotten. I love you Cheryl P Reed. My daughter is a better young lady today bc she was so very loved by you, her "Rere". Rest in peace my friend, you are home, where you have yearned to be. Your pain is gone and there will be no more tears!

Sincerely, Jenny