Thirty Years of Memories

We bought this house in June 1996. It’s where we raised our two daughters and where we planned to grow old. As a former licensed builder, my hands have touched every square inch of this home. I’ve renovated every single room at least once, pouring my time, sweat, and care into making this the perfect sanctuary for my family. This isn't just a building; it is the backdrop of our lives.

Beyond my life as a former builder, I am an Army Veteran (1993-2005) and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. I was injured in the line of duty and subsequently received a commendation for my service there. Since returning home I have been granted a 60% combined service-connected disability rating. My time in Iraq also involved exposure to fuel fumes and toxic burn pits, which left me with chronic respiratory and sinus issues—physical challenges that have made this current mold crisis even more dangerous for my health. Outside of my home, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting my brothers and sisters in arms as a fundraiser and volunteer for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Mission 22, and I am a Legacy Guardian for Til Valhalla Project, delivering memorial plaques to the families of deceased veterans and first responders.

An Invisible Threat

Recently, our sanctuary has become a hazard. We discovered that our home is inundated with four types of toxic mold. The impact was gradual but devastating. For the past seven years, I’ve worked as an IT auditor—a job that requires intense focus and sharp memory. Over the last few months, the mold has robbed me of both. The brain fog and memory issues reached a point where I was unable to perform my job. The very air in my home is stalling my career and my health—and it has begun to cause health complications for my wife, Marilou, and medical service dog, Cobalt, as well. I've been on a medical leave of absence since January 9th.

Since identifying and isolating the problem, we have taken proactive steps to protect ourselves from the toxins. The month-long medical leave has put a significant dent in our finances at the exact moment we need them most.

The Insurance Obstacle

Despite decades of paying premiums with zero claims, Farm Bureau Insurance denied our claim, citing exclusions for "long-term seepage" and "fungi/rot." We appealed, and were quickly denied again. Then, adding insult to injury, Farm Bureau issued us a 60-day notice: we must remediate the mold, or they will cancel our policy entirely. It seems like they only see a policy number; we see thirty years of life's work under threat.

The Plan: A Professional’s Resolve

With 17 years of experience as a contractor, I have the field experience to oversee this restoration and ensure it is done correctly. While I am managing the project to ensure the highest standards and keep costs as low as possible, I need the resources to bring in the necessary equipment and specialized labor. Your support will go toward:

Immediate Professional Remediation: Utilizing industrial-grade chemical treatments to neutralize spores so the house is safe enough for us to occupy through the winter.

The Structural Rebuild: Stripping the infected areas of the basement down to the original cinderblock and rebuilding the entire second floor with proper ventilation, circulation, and insulation to ensure this can never happen again.

A Request for Help

Asking for help is a difficult crossroads to reach. We know times are lean for everyone, but your generosity is the only path we have left to reclaim our health and our home. Whether you can donate or simply share our story, please know that your kindness is the bridge that will help us get back to a safe, mold-free life.

With deep gratitude,

Matthew, Marilou, and Cobalt