Fundraiser for Crystal Darche and Rick Cleghorn

Here is an update from Crystal:

Hello friends, quick update here about 2 things - to let you know the date of Rick’s Celebration of Life, and again about how much your kindness has helped me.

Rick’s Celebration of Life will be in Maple Ridge, BC, on Saturday April 5/25. More details to come, but it will be a casual afternoon affair, outdoors, and with horses and dogs about, so watch where you step, and dress accordingly! I’ll add the link below to the Facebook event page, in case you can access it. More details including address and time to come, closer to the date. I really hope you can attend. We will be toasting Rick with. a small scotch (provided) and if you’d share a brief story or words about him, that would mean a lot (we’ll have a mic). We’ll also be serving Rick’s famous (?) chili.

I also wanted to update you that I have moved back to North Vancouver, and that the townhouse in West Kelowna has a buyer as of early February 2025. The GoFundMe contributions helped in an extremely stressful time, and in addition to things I previously noted, also covered the moving expenses, more kenneling for the dogs, setup costs for the apartment I am in, further medical bills for Rick that continued to come in after he had passed, and more. Again, I am forever grateful for your help both for myself and the dogs, and Rick’s peace of mind. He knew that I would eventually return to the Lower Mainland where my support network (and prospects) are greater.

I will update here closer to the date with the specifics of the Celebration of Life, or please reach out to me personally before that.

With love, Crystal

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this fund (or just sent us well wishes), to let you know how incredibly grateful Rick and I are for your help, and to let you know in some specific and concrete ways how you are making a difference for us. Rick doesn't need extra concerns at this time, but his biggest worry is that I'll be okay in the interim. Here is how you are helping him, and us.

In addition to normal ongoing costs while our income is greatly reduced, we now have extra bills to deal with - to date; Hospice charges of $742 (11 days at $46.40/day), transport to/from KGH for dialysis of $610 (10 trips at $61) and $1120 to date kenneling the dogs, in addition to other expenses current & anticipated. To keep my extended medical current (previously paid by my employer but not while I'm on leave), is $205 per month, plus monthly union dues. I want to show you how your generosity is helping us specifically, in addition to the outpouring of love and kindness on our social media. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reply to everyone individually; I have managed to figure out the app enough to send a group 'thank you' to some, but not all, and I want you to know that I've read all the names, and we know how many of Rick's friends are helping us. When he's able, I read him these messages and he's been quite emotional at the support coming our way.

So, again, THANK YOU so much. You have no idea how you are lifting us both up right now.

Love, Crystal and Rick

Hi, my name is Jessica and I am fundraising for Crystal and Rick.

This week Rick suffered a devastating setback with his heart and kidney issues. The medical team at KGH has been working diligently to find a solution for Rick. However, Doctors have exhausted all options and Rick will now be moved into hospice care.

This fundraiser is to help support Crystal while Rick is in hospice. Rick had just started a new job so benefits will not be available. Crystal recently lost her radio position and has now had to take a sudden leave of absence from her current job. Their income has gone from 100% to 25% and the bills have not changed. In fact, there may be more hospice-related medical expenses that are not covered. Your support will give Crystal the opportunity to spend time with Rick while he is in hospice. They have a small, but mighty, community of people who are here to help with day-to-day operations but financial assistance is where they lack. This money will go towards bill payments, care for their two loveable huskies when needed, and provide financial assistance when it comes time to make eventual funeral arrangements. Any support you can offer will be greatly appreciated. At this time, Crystal and Rick have requested privacy. Please do not contact them directly. If you would like to pass on a message or have questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly.