Help Dave & Kerry Escape Mold Nightmare

Hi, my name is Jennifer Brough, and I’m here with Kara Ragland and Jenna Funke-Spangler. Most of you know us from our performances at renaissance festivals around the country, but most notably the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Like so many others, we’ve worked with David Smith and Kerry Brooks for many, many years. We’ve watched them work tirelessly to create a magical experience for each and every patron who walks through the gates. We’ve watched them encourage new actors and musicians, helping them reach their potential as entertainers. And we’ve watched them help countless friends in need. But now it’s our turn.

Two years ago, Dave and Kerry sunk everything into their dream home. It is a gorgeous historical home, but like all historical homes, it needed renovations. They happily moved in and went straight to work, doing most of the repairs themselves to be cost effective. However, what was once their safe haven quickly became a living nightmare.

About six months after they moved in, Kerry became ill. Every time she ate, she would spend thirty minutes or more in the bathroom with extreme diarrhea. The doctors were baffled, and the journey to a diagnosis was long, incredibly expensive, and beyond frustrating. She suffered over a year, working multiple jobs while still performing a nine-weekend festival season. On festival days, she was not able to eat until after closing, often 8 p.m. or later, when she could spend time in the bathroom. She was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. She now spends approximately $200 a week on medicine and supplements, taking up to twenty-seven pills a day, and is working with six doctors; yet the disease is still progressing aggressively. Since moving in, Dave’s health has suffered as well. He has struggled with one respiratory illness after another for the last two years.

At the recommendation of Kerry’s doctors, they had their home tested for mold. The results were catastrophic. It was so bad, immediate evacuation was recommended. In dealing with both the exorbitant cost of their health care and the cost of much-needed home repairs, the situation has left them in dire straits. Treating the mold itself is unrealistic due to the severity and the extreme costs of mold remediation. They need to move immediately or Kerry’s condition will continue to worsen, but they are left with few resources. Here’s how you can help:

1. Financial Contributions: EVERY donation, big or small, will directly assist David and Kerry with both the cost of moving and those rising medical bills. Every dollar counts.

2. Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your network to help us reach more people who can offer their support. The more we spread the word, the quicker we can make a difference.

Dave and Kerry are two of the kindest, most generous people you could ever meet. Now it’s time for us to return the favor. Let’s come together and help them regain their health and rebuild the lives they deserve. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can offer.

With gratitude,

Jen, Kara, and Jenna