Support The Henry Family

Hello strangers, family, friends. My name is Armanni Henry. I am the 2nd of 4 children of Tonya & Kelvin Henry. My parents are two of the most caring, God-fearing, generous people I have ever known.

On August 26th, 2022, my father came home from work and greeted my mother, his wife of 28 years. Went to lie down for a nap after not feeling too well but was too thoughtful to tell or worry anyone. Which is the kind of man he is. Strong, steadfast, considerate. My mother, Tonya, checked on him and noticed he was heavily disoriented and having trouble responding to her concern for him. My mother, who had years of medical training as a CNA, acted immediately, calling 911. My two youngest brothers, Xavier(19) & Isaiah(16), murmured words of comfort for my mother, who was trying to keep my dad alert and calm while waiting for the medic unit to arrive. He has rushed to VCU medical center, where the fantastic doctors and nurses started caring for him directly. While worrying heavily about whether my father would be okay, my mother notified me (24) and my eldest brother Makhai(26) of what was happening. At the time, I was in Washington, D.C, almost 2 1/2 hours away from my family that I hold so dear. 2 1/2 hours away from my daddy, the man who taught me to cook, since my mother often worked long hours, but also wasn't much of one. The man who taught me to cast a fishing line. Who baited and took the fish I'd catch off the hook for me with a gentle laugh since I was his only girl and didn't wanna get my hands dirty. Who will make friends in a crowded elevator or any checkout line. Show compassion for people from all walks of life. A renowned phlebotomist of 20 years at Calvert Memorial Hospital, where he met my mother, the love of his life. Where he is extremely loved by doctors and nurses, his co-workers, patients, and friends. After many tests, they advised my mother that my father had suffered a stroke that altered his physical and mental state. Suddenly, the man we all knew, loved, and depended upon for everything, was gone. He is in the critical care unit, where he will remain for an unknown amount of time, being monitered closely by a team of excellent doctors. My father suffered from a deteriorating heart condition for almost ten years before his stroke. Until last Friday, he did not let him hold him back in the slightest. He continued doing things he loved most: fishing on the Potomac and going to flea markets, hoping for a "One in a million" find. He continued going to the Kindom Hall on Sundays to celebrate his everlasting love for Jehovah. I only add that piece of health history because, with that aspect, they have to move through his care lightly. It is unknown if the man we knew will ever mentally return to who he was before; we at least hope his physical state can be improved. It is unknown if he will ever be able to return to the job at LabCorp (Calvert Memorial Hospital)he loved and put so much dedication into. He cannot remember the current year and many other vital things. He remembers my mother, her loving face. He remembers me, his only daughter, his "Old Lady" he would call me since he believes I have such an old soul, even at a young age. He remembers his favorite cousin TJ, with whom he grew into manhood. Sharing life stories and catching up over beer at every encounter. He remembers his firstborn son, Kelvin Jr. He remembers his siblings Charlotte, Tim, Emily, & Jason, along with other close family members and friends. But, life as we know it, from that august night, has changed forever.

So, as I create this GoFundMe, please know we are not asking or begging for a donation. I am trying to do what I can to make this process... somewhat easier. Since my father has been down, my mother has taken on the role of a warrior and protector. Caring for my father at his absolute worst, ensuring he has an advocate at all times, ensuring all of us kids know we are still loved and cared for, and maintaining her three jobs. Working 3 jobs, for my mother and the people who know her, is nothing new. She has always worked extremely hard to ensure our large family had everything we needed. She never once complained and came up short. With the need for healthcare workers more than ever, my mother continued as she always had. Missing family functions and rights of passage to care for others and their loved ones in times of need. My siblings and I owe her everything. So for however long we will be on this healing journey if she can be beside my father, our steadfast, without any financial worry. My youngest brother Isaiah, a freshman in high school, provided for while he continues his education. I can't describe how grateful we would be if we could create some relief for them at this challenging, unexpected time. My parents have always been extremely independent, never readily accepting a handout. Always believing life was best lived through hard work and a loving inner circle. But I will put aside my pride for the sake of my mothers and do this for her.

Prayers and well wishes are always welcome. Pray for my dad's health and wellness & my mother's strength. Oh, how she loves him so. It warms me that he continued working at their meeting 

place from 28 years ago, every day until last Friday. 

Isaiah 33:24 "No resident will say I am sick."