On Friday, October 3rd, my bonus mom, Penny Michael, began experiencing serious breathing difficulties and was rushed to the ER. After being transferred from Defiance to a hospital in Toledo, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary embolism, and stage 3 chronic kidney disease. These diagnoses come on top of other health challenges that doctors continue to uncover through ongoing tests and bloodwork.

On Monday, October 6th, Penny will undergo a procedure to have either a catheter or stent placed, depending on what doctors find once they begin the procedure. This is a critical step in managing her condition and giving her a chance to recover.

Penny has faced so much heartbreak already. In 2022, she lost her daughter Elisha tragically in a car accident. Since then, Penny has been the sole provider and pillar of strength for her two grandchildren, Zack and Kate. For the last eight months, she has been working part-time, but due to her worsening health, she will need to take time off to focus on healing and avoid future hospitalizations.

I am creating this fundraiser to help ease some of the financial burdens Penny will face during this difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will go toward supporting her medical bills, living expenses, and the care of her grandchildren as she recovers.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for any support you can provide. Your kindness means the world to Penny and our family.