For Those Visiting for the First Time

Hello everyone,

We are reaching out to ask for help for my 86-year-old grandmother, Gertrud Weishoff, who recently lost everything in a devastating house fire outside our hometown of West Plains, Missouri. In the early hours of November 11, she woke up to find her home engulfed in flames. She managed to escape, but not without suffering severe burns and traumatic injuries. She was airlifted to the burn unit at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

The good news is that she has now been discharged and is recovering at home with my mother, Carolin. She is in good spirits and is overwhelmed with gratitude for every person who has reached out, donated, sent items, or shared her story.

Sadly, Gertrud did not have homeowners insurance, and her entire life’s possessions were destroyed overnight. She now has to start over with nothing. She lives on a fixed income of $500 per month, is not eligible for Medicare, and depends on SNAP benefits. Her needs include everything from clothes and shoes to hearing aids, prescriptions, and basic household items.

If you can donate, know that every amount helps. If you cannot donate, sharing this page with your social networks or church groups is just as valuable. It spreads her story to people who never would have seen it otherwise.

Other ways to donate:

CashApp: $sterofuse

Venmo: @SeanTobeler

Check/Cash: See drop-off address in KC or my mothers address in the info below.

Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for caring about an elderly woman who has spent her entire life giving to others. Your support means more than we can express.

Updates for Returning Visitors

Gertrud has been discharged from the hospital and is healing well at home. She is safe, comfortable, and surrounded by family. We are deeply grateful for the incredible response so far. Many items on the Amazon gift list were purchased within the first day, and we are updating the list regularly as we identify new needs.

Her most urgent remaining needs are clothing, shoes, and a warm winter coat. Longer-term essentials for when she moves into her own place are also being added. The current plan is for her to live in a small rental home directly across the street from my mother. This will allow her to maintain independence while still having family close by. After all she has been through, having her only a short walk away is a meaningful silver lining.

FAQ and Common Questions

Can I share this on social media or with my church group?

Yes, absolutely. Sharing this page is one of the most helpful things you can do. Several people have already asked for permission, and we encourage it. She will need support for months, and keeping the story visible makes a big difference.

What does she need right now?

Current sizing and immediate clothing needs:

• Pants: Medium

• Shirts: Medium

• Coats and jackets: Large

• Shoes: Size 7.5

The Amazon Gift List is being updated daily as we learn more about what she needs.

Amazon List: Help Gertrud Rebuild After Devastating Fire

What about her medical equipment?

Hearing Aids:

She is using temporary OTC hearing aids that are very low quality compared to her previous prescription hearing aids. We are scheduling an audiologist appointment and applying for assistance programs, since Medicaid does not cover hearing aids and she does not qualify for Medicare. We expect this to be one of the larger expenses in the short term (estimates around $1,500-$2,000).

CPAP Machine:

She previously used a CPAP but struggled with it. Several generous people offered used machines, but due to hygiene and health risks, we need to avoid pre-owned units. First we will confirm whether she still needs CPAP therapy. If so, we will secure a safe, new device through a financial assistance program.

Prescription Glasses:

New prescription glasses have already been ordered thanks to early supporters. She is using readers in the meantime.

Where can we send or drop off items?

Postal Address:

If you want to send cards, letters, or items directly to her, please use this address:

Gertrud Weishoff

C/O Carolin Van Abbema

1315 Commercial St

Boonville, MO 65233

Kansas City Drop-Off Location:

For those in the KC area, the company Liam and I work for, SWC, is hosting a drop-off site. Google and Apple maps haven't updated the new address yet so please use THIS address:

South Western Communications

8033 Flint St

Lenexa, KS 66214

How We Will Use the Funds

Every dollar donated will go directly toward helping Gertrud rebuild her life. We plan to use the funds in three phases:

Phase One: Replace immediate essentials like clothing, toiletries, medical supplies, and items needed for her recovery.

Phase Two: Acquire basic household items to restore independence, such as a bed, couch, lamps, kitchen supplies, a phone, and a replacement laptop.

Phase Three: Apply remaining funds toward medical bills. These include Air-Evac, burn unit and ICU care, follow-up appointments, prescriptions, physical therapy, audiology visits, and possible in-home nursing support.

We are committed to transparency and will continue to share updates as funds are used.

Thank You and How You Can Help

Thank you for the incredible generosity, compassion, and kindness so many of you have shown. Every donation, message, and shared post has brought comfort and stability back into Gertrud’s life after a devastating loss.

If you want to help in a powerful way, please share this GoFundMe link with your social networks, coworkers, and church communities. Even if you have already donated or shared, posting it again helps us reach people who otherwise would never see it.

Your support is giving an 86-year-old woman a chance to rebuild her life with dignity, safety, and hope. Our family is deeply grateful for each and every one of you.