Help Lisa Grim and Her 2 Boys Rebuild
Hi. I'm Mike Todd. I'm an arborist living in Herndon, Virginia. I read about Lisa in the Washington Post. Her husband died of Covid at the young age of 37 leaving Lisa and her two boys behind. Her struggle really moved me and I think she could use a hand. This is my way of giving back because in all honesty, I've been really lucky during the pandemic. But I was tired of feeling helpless after reading about the struggles of others and wanted to do something, anything to help someone in need. Anything you can spare would be appreciated. This is also my first GoFundMe so I am learning as I go. I have reached out to the journalist who authored the story, William Wan, in an attempt to get Lisa's info. Every last dime from this fundraiser will go directly to Lisa and her boys. Lastly, this fundraiser is under review so rest assured, they are watching for any monkey business. Thank you!
***
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/08/09/widow-covid-missouri-home-loss/
***
I just want to thank everyone for their support and kinds words to both Lisa and myself. There were so many messages, I just couldn’t keep up with all the responses. More importantly, there were loads of people who remarked that I had just beaten them to it. I am very grateful. The experience has served to rejuvenate my faith in the goodness of others. I am quite certain that this fundraiser would have gone on without me. For once in my life, I was just a little quicker off the line than everyone else.
It is William Wan of the Washington Post who deserves all the credit. Without his extremely well-crafted and poignant piece featuring Lisa, none of this would have happened. The story was the spark that motivated all of us into action. I know work like William’s illustrates the inherent value of top-tier journalism and why it is a ‘must have’ in any functional society. I would also like to give a ‘shout out’ to another exceptional journalist. My friend and neighbor, Chris Condon of Bloomberg. Without his help, William would have continued to believe I was just another scammer trying to make a quick buck.
Most importantly there is Lisa. She is the perfect example of an intelligent, strong, driven individual with grit to spare, who also happens to be an excellent mother. Churchill said it best: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Lisa was dealt a lousy hand during an awful time and she kept going. I know she will come out the other end of all this shining. She’s raising 2 boys and pursuing a Master’s for God’s sake! Lisa is now the sole beneficiary of the funds and has complete control. I can think of no one more deserving.
Lastly, I’d like to throw a little love to GoFundMe. A lobotomized chimpanzee could slap together a successful fundraiser using their platform. Great work and thank you all!