We are raising money to help my childhood friend Sam with expenses related to his mother's recent transition to hospice care.

Sam's mom, Katherine, has been ill for many years due to Multiple Sclerosis. Her condition has rapidly declined over the last couple of weeks due to sepsis and multiple organ failure. Sam has been back in our hometown of Marion, IL from his home in Austin, TX since then to help organize her transition to hospice care, plan her funeral proceedings, and support her in the hospital until she passes.

This money will be used to support Sam with expenses related to travel and time off work while he helps his family through this time, as well as expenses related to Katherine's funeral proceedings.

Sam and his dad are so grateful to everyone who has offered their support and kind words.

A Note From Sam:

My Mom Katherine Glasco Cedar was and is the most incredible and strong woman that I have ever met. She was a gospel singer, minister, teacher, and friend to so many throughout her time in Southern Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee. She was diagnosed with M.S. before I was born, but labored for years to love me and guide me in the best way that she could. By the time I reached middle school, her mobility had decreased significantly, and by high school she was mostly bed bound. Much of her care was left in the hands of myself and my dad, who struggled for years alongside my late grandmother Sue Glasco and a rotating cast of home health nurses to give her the best care that we could. Of course, what help we could offer was never quite enough, and Mom endured more pain than many could even conceive, I think. But still, she persisted in offering love, prayer, and support to everyone who walked through her door. She taught me to find joy in moments of pain, strength when my body is tired, and hope when the future looks grim (as it often does). She touched the hearts of more people in her time here than I could ever hope to, and endured more than anyone should. Thank you for supporting me and my family during this time and allowing us to care for and celebrate her life in these final days.