Support for My Stepmom and Me After Dad’s Passing from Cancer

Hi everyone, my name is Kaylie, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart on behalf of my stepmom, Stacy, who is struggling after the heartbreaking loss of my father, Mark Briner. Stacy was not just a part of my dad’s life — she was his life. They shared over 20 years together and made countless memories. Though they were engaged, life’s challenges and eventually his illness prevented them from ever making it official. Despite that, their love and devotion to one another were unwavering.

In February, my dad was rushed to the hospital with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) — a sudden, life-threatening emergency. By the grace of God, he survived, which truly felt like a miracle. We were so grateful to still have him with us. However, shortly after that hospitalization, our relief turned to devastation when he was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer, which quickly progressed to stage 4. What began as a recovery from one medical crisis turned into another battle for his life. He later required a feeding tube, which led to multiple complications and repeated hospitalizations. These complications delayed his cancer treatments and made it harder for him to regain his strength. Despite his incredible determination and will to keep fighting, his condition worsened rapidly. The cancer spread faster than anyone expected, and his passing came heartbreakingly soon after his diagnosis — leaving our family devastated.

What We Are Facing Now

Stacy is disabled and relied on my father for nearly everything — handling the bills, managing household chores, and daily support that allowed her to live independently and comfortably. Since his passing, she’s been left to manage:

• Household expenses and utilities that are now difficult to afford on her limited income

• Medical and personal bills that continue to come in

• Cremation and celebration of life expenses to properly honor his memory

• A home that now requires a lot of repairs and improvements — things my dad always took care of, like maintenance, safety fixes, and upkeep she physically can’t handle on her own.

Without my dad's income and support, Stacy’s future funding for bills and daily needs has been severely affected, and it will be difficult for her to keep up with even the basics. The house is aging and in need of a lot of work, and without his help, she’s struggling to maintain it financially and physically. She’s doing her best to stay strong, but the emotions and fear of upcoming financial strain has become overwhelming.

❤️ Why I’m Asking for Help

Mark Briner, was a kind, hardworking, funny man who always put others first. He fought through every challenge — from surviving the aneurysm that should have taken his life to battling the cancer that ultimately did. Now, Stacy is trying to rebuild her life without him while managing her own health challenges and the growing needs of their home. She would never ask for help herself, so I’m doing it for her.

Your donation will go directly toward:

• Keeping her home safe, stable, and livable

• Covering ongoing household and medical expenses

• Helping with cremation and celebration of life costs

• Addressing much-needed home repairs and improvements

Even the smallest donation makes a difference, and sharing this page helps more than you know. Your kindness and support means the world to our family. ️

️In Loving Memory

My dad’s strength, love, and will to keep fighting will forever inspire me. I promised him I would make sure my stepmom was taken care of before he passed; however, financially I am not able to take it all on and take care of my own family and children. Helping Stacy through this time is the best way I know to honor his memory. By ensuring that the woman he loved is cared for and not left struggling alone would mean a lot to him, but I need help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity, prayers, and compassion during this heartbreaking time.

❤️ With love and gratitude,

Kaylie