Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

I’m writing this on behalf of one of my dearest friends, Vicki—a woman whose strength, grace, and resilience are something I’ve admired for as long as I’ve known her. This is not an easy thing to share, but I know that if anyone deserves a community to rally around her, it’s Vicki.

Over the last few years, Vicki has put her entire life on hold to care for her parents, two incredibly special people who were also deeply loved by my family. Despite being so young, Vicki took on the role of caretaker with courage and dedication—because that’s just who she is.

Janet’s battle with cancer was courageous. She fought with all her heart, and when she passed, it shook all of us. It was a profound and painful loss, one that words can never fully describe. Her love and light are still felt by everyone who knew her.

And then, not even a year later, Vicki’s father passed—suddenly and without warning. They had a beautiful day together before he left, one where he was fully himself, the dad she always remembered. It was a gift… and then it was gone.

We all believe that he simply couldn’t go on without Janet. Janet was a rock and they had a bond for so many years - their life revolved around Vicki. She was their purpose.

Vicki has carried herself with such strength, never complaining, never asking for help. But behind that strength is someone who is hurting, overwhelmed, and now facing the crushing weight of unexpected financial responsibilities. Despite having a good career and doing everything “right,” she’s left to manage end of life costs, estate matters, and all the many, many things that no child should have to handle alone.

She has not been able to give her father the proper farewell yet. She hasn’t had a moment to truly grieve. And through it all, she’s still showing up for life, starting a new job, living on her own, taking care of her human-like dog and doing her best just to keep moving forward.

This is where we come in.

As an only child myself, I understand the unique weight of carrying all of this alone. And even though Vicki would never ask for help, I’m asking for her. Because she needs us. She deserves the chance to breathe, to grieve, and to move forward without this immense financial burden holding her down.

Every single contribution—no matter how small—will help Vicki give her parents the dignified, loving farewell they deserve. We all know their only wish is peace for Vicki. It will help her tie up the unexpected financial obligations that came so suddenly. And it will help her start the next chapter of her life, carrying her parents’ legacy with pride instead of debt and stress.

Let’s come together as a community. Let’s lift this beautiful soul the way she has lifted others so many times. Let’s honor her parents by making sure their daughter has the support she needs to heal and to thrive—just as they would’ve wanted.

Thank you for taking the time to read, to donate if you can, and to share this with others who might be moved to help.

With gratitude and love,

Joe Petraro