Help My Mom Lay Her Husband to Rest & Rebuild Her Life

Help My Mom Lay Her Husband to Rest & Rebuild Her Life

I never thought I would have to write something like this. My stepdad passed away after a long fight with Progressive MS, that left him completely paralyzed and the years of hospital bills, at home care, and other living expenses drained every bit of savings my mother had. Now, at 68 years old, she has nothing left — not even enough to give him a proper burial. He wished to be buried with his mother in his hometown in Germany.

My mom has spent her entire life giving to others. As a single mother, she sacrificed everything to raise me, working tirelessly to make sure I had the best life possible. She sat on the Community Board 11 and ran the a senior citizen center in East Harlem for many years, pouring her energy into serving the community and their families. And when my stepdad became sick, she dedicated herself fully to caring for him and my grandfather until the very end.

After a lifetime of love, sacrifice, and service, she’s been left with nothing. It breaks my heart to watch her carry this pain — grieving her best friend and husband while worrying about bills, groceries, and how to keep going. She is looking for work, which is really tough at her age and it breaks my heart.

Right now, we urgently need $1,800 just to lay my stepdad to rest with dignity. Beyond that, every dollar will help my mom rebuild her life and give her some stability in the months ahead.

We want to be as transparent as possible about where your support will go:

$1,800 → Immediate burial expenses so we can give my stepdad the farewell he deserves.

Our total goal of $10,000–$12,000 will cover the funeral and give my mom a small cushion to stand back up after this devastating loss. Anything beyond that will provide her with longer-term stability as she navigates life without her partner.

Asking for help like this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I can’t let my mom carry this burden alone. If you are able to donate, please know that every single contribution makes a difference. If you can’t donate, sharing this page means just as much.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for helping us honor my stepdad’s memory and for giving my mom the support she so deeply deserves after a lifetime of giving to everyone else.