After an 8-year battle with colorectal cancer, our brother-in-law, Don Richins, passed away on May 11, 2025. He was a man of strength, quiet humor, deep devotion, and steady love—and he leaves behind his wife of 42 years, LauraJo, their five children, and six grandchildren who adored him.

Even with insurance, the medical costs from Don’s final months have created a significant financial burden. Within just six months, LauraJo reached the maximum out-of-pocket limits for both 2024 and 2025. That means she is now carrying a heavy load of medical debt—on top of the grief of losing her best friend and life partner.

While we all wish we could take care of this for her ourselves, we know we can't do it alone. But we believe that together—through many small acts of love—we can help ease this burden. If friends and family each pitch in a little, it can go a long way in giving LauraJo more space to grieve, heal, and find her footing in this next chapter of life.

Over the years, Don and LauraJo’s savings were deeply impacted by medical expenses—especially during a 30-day hospital stay in 2017, which included ICU, when they only had catastrophic insurance coverage. More recently, their daughter and son-in-law generously stepped in to support alternative treatment options not covered by insurance. It was a long and costly journey—carried by love and a determined hope to explore every possible path toward healing, while also honoring Don’s deep desire not to leave LauraJo in debt.

Now, as LauraJo steps into a future she didn’t ask for, our hope is to lift even a portion of this financial weight from her shoulders. Any amount helps, and every expression of love matters.

If you’d prefer to contribute another way, please feel free to reach out for details.

With love and gratitude,

Allen & Beth Haws

Helen & Todd Carling

Tricia & Michael Anner

Anne & Tony Faber

Reed & Elaina Haws