My name is Kurt, and I am reaching out during the most difficult time of my life. Within just two weeks, I lost both my brother Derek and my mother Jill. Derek was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident only two weeks after his wedding. He was at a red light, talking to someone in a car next to him, when another vehicle ran a red light, collided with another car, and spun out of control, striking Derek and ending his life far too soon. The shock and pain of losing my brother so suddenly has been overwhelming.
Shortly after Derek's passing, my mother Jill, who had suffered a stroke in 1992 and had been declining in health ever since, was placed on hospice care. She spent her final days surrounded by love, and after a week on hospice, she passed away peacefully. My mother always wished for her ashes to be spread around our family plot and the cabin my great-grandfather built—a place filled with memories of family gatherings and love.
Right now, I am staying in a homeless shelter, volunteering at the mission to give back, and working hard on my recovery. I am permanently disabled and unable to find steady work, but I am proud to say that on March 5th, I will celebrate two years of sobriety and have been placed on the donor list for a heart transplant. Despite my efforts, I have depleted my savings and borrowed from my aunt to cover what I can, but it is not enough. The funds raised will help me travel from northern to southern California to attend the funeral, pay for funeral expenses, fulfill my mother's last wishes, and cover storage for her possessions. I also need help with lodging during my stay and to reconnect with my remaining family during this incredibly hard time.
I have never had much support from family, but the people at the mission have been my biggest source of strength. I am asking for your help so I can honor my mother and brother, be with my family, and walk through these difficult times together. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in my life. Thank you for your kindness and support.
Shortly after Derek's passing, my mother Jill, who had suffered a stroke in 1992 and had been declining in health ever since, was placed on hospice care. She spent her final days surrounded by love, and after a week on hospice, she passed away peacefully. My mother always wished for her ashes to be spread around our family plot and the cabin my great-grandfather built—a place filled with memories of family gatherings and love.
Right now, I am staying in a homeless shelter, volunteering at the mission to give back, and working hard on my recovery. I am permanently disabled and unable to find steady work, but I am proud to say that on March 5th, I will celebrate two years of sobriety and have been placed on the donor list for a heart transplant. Despite my efforts, I have depleted my savings and borrowed from my aunt to cover what I can, but it is not enough. The funds raised will help me travel from northern to southern California to attend the funeral, pay for funeral expenses, fulfill my mother's last wishes, and cover storage for her possessions. I also need help with lodging during my stay and to reconnect with my remaining family during this incredibly hard time.
I have never had much support from family, but the people at the mission have been my biggest source of strength. I am asking for your help so I can honor my mother and brother, be with my family, and walk through these difficult times together. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in my life. Thank you for your kindness and support.