Hi, my name is Paddy, and asking for help like this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

My family has been facing ongoing medical and financial hardships, and now we’ve been hit with something we simply cannot handle on our own. We recently found out that our home’s package HVAC unit is completely shot. To replace it and have it installed properly will cost around $15,000, which is far beyond our means — even if my husband were able to return to work.

My husband is currently on Workers’ Compensation due to a work-related injury and is not receiving his full pay. He is also a veteran and tried reaching out to the VA/DAV for assistance, but unfortunately, we were told there was nothing they could do to help. We also reached out to Habitat for Humanity, but that option didn’t work out either.

I am on Social Security Disability due to severe COPD and have been on oxygen since 2020. I also have mobility issues. To make matters worse, Social Security has been mishandling my claim, and right now I am only receiving a little over $100 a month.

We also have a son with Down syndrome who depends on us. Because our home no longer has proper heating, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to send him to stay with his brother and sister so he can be warm and safe. While we are grateful he is cared for, having our family separated has been incredibly painful.

On top of that, we used to get our grandson every few weekends, something that meant the world to us — but without heat and stable conditions, we can no longer do that. Our home no longer feels like the safe, welcoming place it once was.

I hate asking for help. It weighs heavily on my heart and makes me feel like I’m begging — something that goes against everything I am. But we have exhausted every option we know, and we are at a point where we truly cannot do this alone.

Any amount you could spare would go directly toward:

Replacing and installing a safe, working HVAC unit

Restoring heat so our family can be together again

Keeping our home safe for our son and grandson

Helping us survive this difficult season

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing our story. Every share, prayer, and kind word truly matters.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for finding it in your heart to help our family.

God bless you and yours.

With gratitude,

Paddy & Family