I met Sarah in third grade. Since we were children, she’s been more of a sibling to me than my flesh-and-blood ones – someone who’s always been there for me, who always listens, who always has answers to my problems. She’s one of the kindest people I know.

About 20 years ago, Sarah met Rob in Georgia and fell in love with him. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Montana, where their daughter was born. I went to visit them when she was just a baby. They kept a gigantic chest freezer outside their farmhouse. Why, I wondered, when it was only the three of them? Shortly after, I found out that Rob and Sarah would stock their freezer so that when any of their friends were having hard times, they would invite them over and cook a bunch of food for everyone, sending people home with it. That’s the kind of people they have always been. They’ve always been those people taking in strays – both literal (they had five dogs when I got to Montana, three of them rescues) and figurative (they have a hard time saying no to anyone in need). When I separated from my ex in 2015 and I had nowhere to live, they moved me into their house immediately. When I hope to be giving in my own life, I think of Sarah and Rob, and the example they have always set of taking care of anyone and everyone, no matter who they are. They’re just wonderful people.

About six years ago, when their son was just a baby, Rob was diagnosed with blood cancer and MRSA. The cancer is currently in remission. MRSA is often curable, but in Rob’s case it hasn’t been. He’s been living with this potentially deadly illness for six years.

Rob’s been the main provider for their family for decades. Due to his cancer diagnosis, his MRSA, and other complications that have arisen from it, he has been able to work less and less. It’s particularly hard because Rob works outdoors, and the most recent development of his illness has him getting sick if he’s in the sun too much. They’ve been in dire straits for a while now, financially. While their families and I do our best to help, there is only so much a few people can do. So we’re reaching out to the wider community for help.

Sarah and Rob are the kind of people who would give anyone anything – and have multiple times. I’d love to see some of their kindness come back to them in their time of need. Anything helps!

We’re all so grateful for your help in this really awful time. Sarah has resisted letting me set up a GoFundMe because she knows many people have it very hard, and she doesn’t want to take away from others. I keep telling her, “Sarah, you’ve helped so many people. It’s time to let others start helping you.”

Thanks for reading, and thank you in advance for showing Sarah and Rob your kindness.