I’m creating this fundraiser for my wife, Theresa, as she prepares to graduate from Ball State University this December with her Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and continue working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. This graduation means so much to our family for many reasons, but especially because of Theresa’s grandmother, Shelly. At the end of September, we lost Shelly after Theresa spent time by her side in hospice and helped her mom with arrangements. During that time, Theresa missed work, and I was also out of work because I was there alongside Theresa in hospice and helping however I could, so we have been struggling to catch up financially.

Before Shelly passed, she made Theresa promise that she would walk at graduation and not let this loss stop her from reaching that moment. That promise is now carrying Theresa forward. We are asking for help with the travel costs for graduation weekend, December 11 through December 13, including plane tickets, a car rental, and lodging. Your support would help us avoid having to choose between paying bills and being there for this milestone. More than anything, it would allow Theresa to walk that stage with the love and support of her family and honor Shelly, who was truly her best friend. Any donation, big or small, means so much to us, and everything given will go directly toward travel costs so Theresa can keep her promise and make sure Shelly walks that stage with her in spirit.