Help Bede and Brenda Winters with Medical Bills
My name is Abby Winters and this Gofundme is being created for my parents, Bede and Brenda Winters. Both of them have committed their lives to raising my two brothers and myself. They have supported us for 20+ years. Each of them have faced their darkest battles in the last year. I am asking that you learn more about them and their struggles below and consider donating whatever you are willing to give.
My dad, Bede, had been working as an HVAC technician for over 30 years before he lost his job due to COVID-19 and personal health concerns. With his chronic COPD and his past health complications (kidney cancer, double hip replacements, etc.), he chose to take time off during the pandemic. He was unfortunately let go mid-pandemic. To get back to working, he decided to take the time he had off and get his knee replacement done. While at the hospital, he suffered a stroke that impaired some of his speech, but fortunately did not cause too much damage. Although he has faced many battles in his life, this past year has been his hardest. When working, he is known for his kindness and hard work. People from all over the area continue to call him for help when something goes wrong with their heaters or air conditioners. At home, he is known for persevering through life’s battles, while still caring for his family. Even though he has had his own battles, he still has been there for my mom throughout her difficult past few weeks.
My mom, Brenda, has been a stay-at-home mom most of mine and my brothers’ childhoods. She set aside her independence to raise three kids and help take care of the house. Throughout the years, she always took care of me and made sure I always had a best friend. Like my dad, she has also struggled with her own personal health conditions. In 2013, she had a stroke and discovered she had diabetes. Years went by and she managed, but unfortunately she had another stroke a few weeks ago. She has been in a rehabilitation facility for a couple weeks and will hopefully be released soon! Unfortunately, the stroke has altered parts of her motor skills, vision, and thought processes. She is recovering well, but she still has a long journey ahead. The biggest complication she is experiencing is with her vision. We are hopeful that an ophthalmologist will help relieve her vision difficulties. With all that being said, she is still working extremely hard and hoping to improve as much as her brain allows.
Both my parents are fighters. They have taught me how to be an independent, resilient, and determined woman. So, here I am writing to you all, determined to help them. I am asking that you consider donating to the two of them. I don’t ask because of their illnesses, but because of their kindness. If my parents have ever been there for you, as a friend, a family member, or a coworker, please consider donating some money to help them through this difficult time. Your money would go towards paying doctor bills, house bills, and helping them get out of Illinois so they can retire. If you would like to help in any other way, please reach out to me. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.