Help Opal Armstead Recover from Flood Crisis

Hello, my name is June Armstead, and I’m humbly reaching out to share our story and ask for your support during this incredibly challenging time for my family.

My mother, Opal Armstead, was born in 1941 and has lived a life filled with love, dedication, and generosity. She was married to my father, James Armstead, for 51 years until his passing in 2012. A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, she cared deeply for her grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and church family. Her life has been a testament to selflessness and commitment, as she consistently gave her time, love, and resources to those in need.

In 2019, Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia, a diagnosis that has brought many challenges. I have been her primary caregiver, ensuring she receives the love and care she deserves. However, a heartbreaking incident in March 2024 turned our lives upside down.

On March 23rd, while I was soaking dishes, Mom left the water running in the kitchen sink. The water overflowed and flooded our home, forcing us to live in a hotel from April 1st to August 16th. During this time, our insurance company promised to cover additional living expenses (ALE), including caregiving and meals, but delays in reimbursement left us in a financial crisis.

I paid for caregiving services out of pocket, which drained our accounts and left us unable to meet basic expenses. Because I couldn’t afford caregivers while waiting for reimbursement, I often had to miss work, further compounding our financial struggles.

Living in a hotel took a significant toll on Mom. The unfamiliar environment caused her immense fear and confusion, and she often refused to leave the room, not understanding what was happening. The experience caused a noticeable decline in her health and mental state, a heartbreaking change I will share with photos on this page.

We finally returned home in August, but the financial strain has been overwhelming. Between unpaid bills, mounting late fees, and a behind-due mortgage, it has been a struggle to recover. Adding to the challenge, I was hospitalized shortly after returning home due to the stress of the situation.

Despite everything, I remain determined to care for Mom and get us back on our feet. Your support would mean the world to us and would go toward covering caregiving expenses, catching up on overdue bills, and regaining the stability we lost during this difficult time.

It saddens me deeply that after paying insurance premiums for decades, Mom’s policy has left us in a worse position instead of providing the help we needed. Still, I trust in God and the kindness of others to help us rebuild and move forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can provide. Every prayer, donation, and share of this page will make a meaningful difference for us.

With heartfelt gratitude,

June Armstead