I met my friend, Kim Lechner- O’Connell in 7th grade, which was many years ago. We instantly became friends as she was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back. In the past forty years, we have remained close friends. Kim has a lengthy story, and I won’t share all the details. However, what I want you to know is that it has been full of ups and downs. Many years ago, she found herself on a corner, newly divorced, with her three young children, and mop bucket. Kim raised her three children as a single parent working hard to support and give them a healthy life. She met the love of her life, her husband, Ron O’Connell, 21 years ago; this summer would have been their 20th anniversary. They were an amazing couple, working hard and playing hard! For those that don’t know already, Ron passed away unexpectedly on April 1st, leaving Kim, his adult daughter Dezzy, and three grandchildren, ages 15, 12, and 10, as well as Kim’s three adult children. Kim has spent her life caring for others, often better than she cares for herself. She and Ron had a cleaning business for many years, taking care of those who couldn’t care for their own homes. They often cleaned houses without compensation, doing so out of a deep love for their community. She started a 5013c a few years back called Helping in a Crisis, which I was fortunate to be a part of. Kim has made it her life mission to care for her family, which has included looking after two of her three grandchildren full-time since they were infants,and supporting a third grandchild.

I know many of you have been reaching out and asking how you can help the family. If you are able and feel compelled to donate, the family would be so grateful. Kim will have many medical expenses as well as living expenses to navigate on her own in the next few weeks and months. Any amount would be greatly appreciated; no amount is too small. Thank you for your consideration!