My name is Marissa St.Onge and I could use some help.

It is really hard for me to ask for help. I feel guilty for asking, when others are in need. I feel ashamed that I'm not able to make it without asking. I talk myself out of asking and continue to struggle in silence. A new friend reminded me that suffering in silence can be so much worse than just asking for help and being willing to receive it. He was even willing to go so far as to help us himself. I felt so inspired by that, I realized I need to be willing to ask for myself. So, here I am.

Can you help me?

How did I get here?

In June, 2022, after 6 months of testing and waiting, my husband David was diagnosed with Stage 4 Laryngeal Cancer. When recovering from his treatment, David suffered a severe brain injury leaving him with a form of dementia, fully disabled, and needing 24 hour care at the age of 42. We ran a business together, but I had to close it within the first year of his brain injury. With all the stress, my chronic illness has been more challenging and my health has deteriorated. I didn't think our kids would already be helping take care of us both, but here we are.

I feel very stuck. Stuck not making it, stuck not able to work, stuck in systems that just make you feel ashamed and don't even help enough. I feel stuck in my circumstances and not able to change anything to make things better. Maybe it isn't about me pulling myself out of the stuck, but being open to others help me move. It's like being in quicksand, the more you resist, the worse your circumstances get. You have to be still and let others help you...

If you are able, could you please help?

Here are our immediate needs:

Rent: The catalyst for this fundraiser. Due to a paperwork error, our caregiving hours were deducted by over 70 hours, this money goes directly to rent. We will be more than $1000 short.

Vehicle Registration: My tags are out 5 months now. Just driving to take the kids to school 5 minutes away is so stressful.

Veterinary for Bowser: My sweet dog has been fighting ear infections for too long. When you can't afford food or the electric bill, you definitely can't afford the vet.

Past Due Utility Balances: Anything extra will go towards paying down the large past Due balances for our various utilities.

Thank you in advance for all the support and kindness.