Hi friends, family, and kind strangers,

My name is Tim, and I’m starting this campaign for my sister-in-law Darla Kay Bess. Darla is a strong, loving mom who has been raising her children mostly on her own since her divorce, sharing custody 50/50. She has eight kids in total, and three are still living at home with her — two of them under 18. She works hard every day to give them stability and love.

Recently, Darla received a life-changing diagnosis: vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), a rare genetic condition that makes connective tissues extremely fragile, especially blood vessels and organs. While learning to manage this new reality, she faced a terrifying medical emergency. Doctors rushed her into surgery because they feared ovarian cancer. We are all incredibly grateful that the mass was benign, but the surgery and recovery have been far more difficult than anyone expected. She now faces a long healing process and has been told she cannot work for the next six to eight weeks.

This has left her in a tough spot financially. She is dealing with out-of-pocket surgery costs, and the everyday bills, rent and groceries while she recovers and can’t bring in income. We need to raise **$7,650** to cover these immediate needs so she can focus on getting stronger and being there for her kids without the crushing stress of bills.

Any donation — no matter the size — will make a real difference. $25 helps with a week of groceries, $50 helps toward rent, and every share helps us reach more people who care. She has always been the one who shows up for everyone else — now it’s our turn to show up for her and her children.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, prayers, and support. Together we can give Darla and her family the stability they need during this challenging time.

With deep gratitude,

Tim Gunn,

Brother-in-Law and the entire family