I am reaching out on behalf of my stepmother, Marietta, and my father, Randy, who are facing one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. They are humble, loving, faith-filled people who have always tried to shoulder their struggles quietly. Asking for help does not come naturally to them, but right now they truly need it.

Recently, Marietta was at home with a severe headache and noticed her speech becoming blurred. My dad immediately drove her to the ER, where she was told she had experienced an ischemic stroke. She was hospitalized for several days, and although the stroke wasn’t considered major, it has still left her with challenges that will take time and patience to overcome. She has now been transferred to Good Samaritan Rehab in Portland, where she is working hard each day to regain her strength and independence.

While she was still in the hospital, the doctors also became concerned about her stomach. Imaging showed that her colon was twisted far more severely than they typically see. She required an emergency colonoscopy, and the medical team determined that she will eventually need surgery to correct the issue. Because the stroke was so recent, they must wait until Marietta is stronger and healthier before they can safely proceed. It is a serious complication, and the waiting period has added even more stress and uncertainty.

At the same time, my dad has been dealing with significant health challenges of his own. His medical issues forced him into early retirement, and he is currently relying on daily medical equipment due to an enlarged prostate. He is scheduled for surgery on December 8th, and the situation has been both physically uncomfortable and emotionally draining for him. Even so, he tries his best to stay strong for Marietta, though the weight of everything has taken a real toll.

With Marietta unable to work during her recovery, and Randy also out of work due to his health, they are facing mounting medical bills, their mortgage, travel expenses, and everyday living costs that continue to grow. They have always lived simply and relied deeply on their faith to carry them through hard times, but right now the weight of everything happening at once has become too much for them to manage alone.

This fundraiser will help relieve some of the financial pressure so they can focus on healing. It will go toward:

• Marietta’s rehabilitation and ongoing medical care

• Her upcoming surgery once she is healthy enough

• Randy’s surgery on December 8th and his follow-up treatment

• Their mortgage, utilities, and essential living expenses

• Travel and fuel costs for appointments and rehab

Randy and Marietta are kindhearted people who have always been there for others. They are not comfortable being in a position of need, but they are relying on prayer and hope to get through this difficult time. Any support—whether a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing their story—means more than words can express.

Thank you for taking the time to read about them, and thank you for keeping Randy and Marietta in your thoughts and prayers.