Hello dear family and friends. I am Kayla, the daughter of Christine Dunn and the niece of Charles Dewitt, Junior. Life has a very interesting way of bringing situations full circle. For me, it was not too long ago that I had a conversation with a sweet friend of mine. During this conversation, I stated, "I don't know how bad things would have to get, but I just can't see myself ever asking for money or having a Go Fund Me. I just don't have that in me." Well, here I am, humbled; pride so far removed that I can barely recognize the woman who said that. Let me give all of you an unfortunate story that is the current life and situation our family is facing head-on.

On June 17th, 2023, I got a devastating phone call from my Uncle Charles. He was not feeling well, so after a long time of avoiding his health, he went to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, but that was not the primary issue. He was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer with metastasis to the lymph nodes, abdomen, and bladder. He was sent home on hospice with an expected three or so-month life expectancy. My uncle does not have a spouse or any children. I am his power of attorney. We are all so grateful to my brother and his wife, along with other family and friends, for their endless support and assistance with his day-to-day care. Unfortunately, Uncle Charles has no life savings, burial policies, or any form of savings or assets to assist with his untimely circumstances. Despite all of this, we are remaining hopeful that God will provide. Also, I am so excited to announce that after many years of worldly life, Uncle Charles accepted the Lord as his savior in July.

Now, remember that date above? Two days later, on June 19th, 2023, my mom, Christine was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Initially, it was a shock to her. She had her days of grief and then acceptance. Mom decided what and who she wanted to fight for, despite declining health over the last year. She started oral chemotherapy in July. She received treatment for a total of 11 days before she developed a fever and slightly low blood pressure. She was admitted to a local hospital on July 30th for treatment of urosepsis. Unfortunately, two days into her hospitalization, I received a call from her that shook me to my core. She was so short of breath and pushing to make words. Just the night prior she had absolutely no respiratory problems. My 'gut' was so unsettled; so, I left work and drove three and a half hours to check on her in the hospital. Within hours, I could see a drastic change in her respiratory status and increased anxiety. My Momma went into full septic shock and respiratory failure. She was intubated that night and we have yet to see improvement neurologically to safely remove the ventilator. She has been incredibly sick and my family knows how tired she is. I am also thankful for close friends and family who have selflessly stayed by her side throughout all of this.

My sweet and precious dad, Rory, has loved her unconditionally for 42 years. He has exemplified God in his love towards momma. He is so hard-working, selfless, and determined to care for her. Daddy has burned the candle at both ends for so long; working shift work- alternating days and nights, 14 days on, seven days off, for years. In the last couple of years, he has traveled to and from work to be there for Momma. Often sacrificing his own needs, he was sure to meet hers. Despite all of this, her ongoing medical needs have left him in a financial hole. All of his hard work, all of his sweat and tears, all of his determination and he has nothing to show. My dad sat down with two of my three brothers and me this weekend to discuss the end-of-life decisions staring him in the face. He broke down and told his children of his struggles. To pay for back-due payments on medical bills and the increasing cost of living, my dad had to cash out his savings in attempt to catch up, unknowing of what was to come. Unfortunately, my parents do not have savings, assets, or life insurance.

So, here I am. Humbled. Stressed. Believing in God the Father who I know can meet each of us where we are in our circumstances. I am reaching out to all of you in hopes to lessen this burden on my family. Please continue to pray for our family. Pray for peace, comfort, health, and thanksgiving. God is a merciful God. In this, I have no fear of tomorrow. My mom and uncle may have had and will continue to have hard days to face for a short while longer, but thanks to Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, we know that Glory awaits them both. Personally, I cannot wait for my turn for the roll call in the Lord's Book of Life. Despite the hurt and circumstances we currently face, we will stand united in Christ as a family, taking one step at a time and making it through the storm. My Momma's favorite song is "The Anchor Holds" by Ray Boltz. I find it so suiting for our current circumstance, but I know the anchor holds despite the storm.

God Bless,

Kayla