I’m writing this with a heavy heart to ask for support for my sister and her two children. On April 15th, my brother-in-law, Patrick, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. For 27 years, Patrick was my sister’s partner and the heart of their home. His loss has not only left a massive emotional void but has also placed an immediate and overwhelming financial burden on my sister as she tries to keep her two college-aged children stable and safe.

Below is the story in my sister's own words, detailing the challenges they are facing and what these funds will go toward...

On the early morning of April 15th, my world changed forever. My husband of 23 years—my partner for 27—passed away unexpectedly before we even woke up. Patrick’s death was sudden and tragic, leaving our family in a state of shock and heartbreak.

Patrick had been on permanent disability for many years. While I have always been the primary breadwinner, our life was a delicate balancing act. We lived on a tight budget where Patrick’s Social Security was the glue that held our household together. With his passing, that income has vanished instantly. We are now facing a precarious financial cliff without a pension or safety net.

As a mother, my primary goal is to ensure my two children—my 22-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter—can finish their college educations. They are both full-time students working hard toward their futures, already taking on student loan debt. My husband and I always promised to provide them with a home, meals, and unconditional love while they studied. Now, I am fighting to keep that promise alone.

Why we are reaching out for help:

The immediate financial hurdles are overwhelming. My own family has passed away, leaving me with no safety net to turn to. We are currently facing:

Final Arrangements: I had to borrow money to cover Patrick’s cremation at Calvey-Jennings Funeral Home and still need to fund his obituary.

Housing Crisis: We must secure a new place to live by June 1st. This requires funds for first and last month's rent, a security deposit, and moving costs.

Essential Transportation: We need to repair a 2008 Honda Pilot that has been sitting for a year. This vehicle is vital for my son to get to college and to transport his sister to school and doctor appointments while I work full-time as a call center representative at Empower Retirement.

Overdue Bills: I recently discovered that several utility bills had fallen behind, creating an immediate debt that must be cleared to keep our home running.

It is incredibly humbling and difficult to ask for help. I have always prided myself on working hard to provide, but the loss of Patrick’s income and the suddenness of his passing has created a gap I cannot bridge alone.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward keeping my children safe, fed, and in school over the next few years as we navigate this new, painful reality.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, your prayers, and any support you can provide. Even a share of this link means the world to us