My name is Kristie and I’m writing this with my sister, Melissa, because our stepdad, Tim, is too proud and independent to ask for help himself.

Tim has always been a hard-working man who takes care of everyone and everything and never wants to be a burden. For the past several years, he and our mom, Kathy, have been facing an incredibly difficult journey. After years of tests and dozens of doctor's appointments as well as misdiagnoses, she was ultimately diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). It’s a rare, progressive and terminal neurodegenerative condition that affects movement, balance and autonomic functions. Due to the nature of MSA, Mom became completely dependent on others for all essential daily functions around Summer of 2025.

Our mom has faced this diagnosis with strength and grace, and Tim has been right by her side every single day - balancing caregiving while continuing to work. Hospice has been incredibly helpful, but the support it provides (nurse and aide visits a few times per week) does not fully cover the daily assistance needed as MSA progresses.

To help Tim to keep working and prevent him from having to choose between his job and caring for Mom full time, we need supplemental professional in-home care. This would bridge the gaps in Hospice coverage with additional hours of personal care assistance, allowing Tim to maintain some financial stability while ensuring Mom receives the dignified, round the clock support she deserves at home.

My sister and I are doing everything we can, but the extra costs of qualified caregiving are significant and have created financial strain we can no longer bridge on our own.

We are hoping to raise money to cover additional in-home care for our mom over the coming months. Every dollar will go directly toward helping keep our mom comfortable at home while Tim continues to work. Any contribution - whether it's $5, $25, $100 or simply sharing this page - truly makes a difference. Your prayers, kind words and support mean the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Kristie Hoag and Melissa Sayers