Hello,

My name is Marianna Giordano and I am starting this Go-Fund-Me for my 99 year-old mother Julie Giordano Mawhinney.

My 95 year-old stepfather Allan Harry Mawhinney has recently passed away and my mother is now a widow.

Allan served his country in the Air Force for 22 years in World War II, the Korean War, AND the Vietnam War. He actually dropped out of high school to enlist at 16 years old, was caught and sent back, but then immediately re-enlisted as soon as he turned 18.

Julie and Allan were living off of Allan's VA benefits during their 26 years of marriage, and both expected Julie to pass first as she is older.

We tried to apply for my mother to be able to keep Allan's VA benefits after he is gone. However, just before he passed, Allan suffered a very nasty fall in his assisted living facility. The fall resulted in debilitating physical and mental injuries and we were unable to secure on-going spousal benefits before Allan passed.

Now that Allan has passed, my mother is no longer receiving Allan’s VA benefits. My mother does not have any income of her own, and is now living exclusively off of social security which means she has to move in with me, as she can no longer afford to support herself.

We have applied for widow’s benefits with the VA, but that process can take 6-10 months, and there is no guarantee that the application will be approved, nor any guarantee that she will ever receive any of those benefits.

The funds we raise from this Go-Fund-Me will go to help my mom with caregiving for her, and to help support her now that Allan has passed.

I understand things are difficult for everyone right now, so if you cannot help out that is obviously fine, but if you could pass this along to anyone you think might be able to help it would be greatly appreciated.

For those that are interested or knew Allan, there will be a Military Honors Memorial at March Air Force base in the near future. If you would like to attend, please message Marianna on Facebook for details and more information.

Thank you all again so very much for your time and consideration.

Love,

Marianna