Dear friends,

First, thank you. Your generosity and kindness have meant more than we can fully express. Because of you, Annette has felt supported, seen, and cared for during an incredibly difficult time.

We wanted to share an update.

As many of you know, the original goal of this fundraiser was to help Annette obtain a wheelchair-accessible van. Unfortunately, due to rising costs, those vehicles have recently moved out of reach for now.

Since our last update, Annette’s condition has changed significantly. Following a recent ER visit and a 17-day rehabilitation hospitalization, she is now at home with a hospital bed and requires a mechanical lift for all transfers. She is unable to walk and is largely bedbound, with movement outside of bed only possible through assisted lifting. At this stage, all medical care is being coordinated virtually, with in-person care requiring medical transport when necessary, and a visiting nurse coming once a week.

Her lift system currently allows her to move from bed to chair, but it does not reach the bathroom or tub area, which has created new limitations in daily care and hygiene. At this stage, her daily care needs have increased, and we are now facing more immediate priorities inside the home—things like equipment to help her safely transfer, and adaptations that would allow her to move more easily between her bed and the bathroom, including possibly widening a doorway to make it more accessible, as well as bathroom adaptations to support hygiene and independence. As Annette’s needs have increased, so have the physical demands on Kip, who is her full-time caregiver. Some of these updates will also help ensure he can rest and continue caring for her safely.

Because of this, we would like to ask your permission to use the funds raised to support these urgent needs, while still holding onto the hope of a van in the future.

We also want to be very clear:

If you’re comfortable with this update, no action is needed. If you would prefer a refund, please reach out to us directly and we will make that happen—no explanation necessary.

For those who are comfortable allowing your donation to go toward Annette’s current care, your gift will directly help improve her safety, comfort, and quality of life at a time when it matters most.

Annette is still very much herself—grateful, thoughtful, and aware of the incredible kindness surrounding her. We are deeply thankful to all of you for being part of that.

With heartfelt gratitude,