Love for Carl (Pops, Mops, Carly) and Rio (Roy)

With a sad and heavy heart, I am writing now to update the Go FundMe campaign.  This past Memorial Day, Mops left their body in this physical realm and journeyed onward to the unknown. Carly Rae Harris died at 4:20 p.m. on May 31st 2021.


on May 17th we were told their pain is coming from stage 4 cancer in their bones and organs.  Exactly two weeks later, the cancer and pain became too much for their body.  We knew this day was coming, but we didn’t know it would happen so quickly.  As we all know, no one truly knows when death will come and there is no preparing for the grief that floods the body and soul.  Our hearts are tender and broken and filled with the wish that we could have heard one more story, seen one more smile, and heard one more laugh.


Early Monday morning, around 2-4 am, Rio and I were blessed to be with Mops in, what we didn’t know then, were their last coherent moments.  Mops told us they loved us, played a little joke on Rio, gave me a wink, took their last Morphene pill, and fell to sleep. They died in their sleep later that same day, in their home, in their own bed, pain free, and with their beloved Son and dog lovingly and sweetly keeping watch ❤️


I am also here to say a Huge and resounding Thank you.  We reached our original  goal of $7,000.  Wow! The pouring of generosity in all forms continues to astound us, although it probably shouldn’t.  Why should I be surprised to witness Our communities shower him with love and support?  Rio is a truly wonderful and rare gem of a human.  In this mess of a pandemic and isolation, I had forgotten a few of the most basic and true purposes of life, we can ask for help and that the service given from our friends and family isn’t a burden to them.


If you are curious, the original campaign is still posted below.  We are going to continue the campaign and increase our goal.  Different types of expenses come with death and we were hoping we would have more time before we approached this next phase.   


Thank you again for everything


Blessings,


Amy, on Behalf of Rio



Rest In Peace and Power and Joy, Mops.  We love you so much.

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I think I can make a sweeping statement and say this past year has been extraordinarily difficult for most people.  A lot of us have been struggling with a variety of challenges such as mental and physical wellness, financial stability, work stress, family issues, isolation, relationship strain and/or endings, and even death.   Unfortunately, one of my best friends and housemate Rio (Roy), has been dealing with many of these challenges, all of which have been intensified and exacerbated by the pandemic.  

Rio and I moved into our Portland house at the beginning of the Covid shutdown.   As one might expect, relocating during a pandemic is difficult and (like so many of us out in the world), we found ourselves just doing our best to try and find our way.   I’d like to think we did alright, and have been figuring it out, more or less.   However, just recently we have found ourselves in a much more dire situation than ever before.  

As many of you know, Rio’s mom died last November.  Her death was sudden and devastating for Rio and his family.  Shortly thereafter, his father (or Mops, as I call him) went into the hospital for an unknown pain.  After more than two months of daily appointments and hospital visits, we learned that his pain is due to stage 4 cancer of his spine, liver, and lungs.  His oncologist was direct and told us that Mops has about 2 months to live, maybe less, maybe more.  

Our hope for Mops is that he lives a pain-free and comfortable life, in his own home, until he dies.   But unfortunately, within the past week, Mops health has rapidly deteriorated and he now needs constant care and medical attention.  Our hope for Rio is that he is able to be by his Pop’s side as much as possible, continuing to care for him, and provide him the support he needs.  After all, the main reason Rio moved back to Oregon was to be close to, and care for, his parents in their times of need.  

I wasn’t sure how to label this fundraiser because Rio and Mops’ needs span a couple of categories.  We are trying to get Mops approved for Medicaid so he can receive professional/hospice level care, but it’s likely the services provided through Medicaid will still have a sizable fee.  Additionally, Rio is hoping to be by his Pop’s side through all of this, but that will require him to not work full time or to not work at all.

I am writing today, to warmly ask you to contribute to their cause.  The money will help pay for Mops’ rent, bills, medical care, co-pays etc.   Moreover, any money beyond that will go towards Rio’s living expenses, so he can easily spend time with his Pops during his time of need.  Your support means more to me, Rio, and Mops than we could ever express.   

I know so many of you love Rio - and to know Rio is to know his parents.  If Rio has ever made you laugh, we know it’s because he inherited a stellar sense of humor from both his Mom and Pops.  Rio’s love of music is due to his parents' influence, and exposure to the most impressive record collection I have ever seen!  Rio’s cool sense of style, big loving heart, skills at the card table, generous nature, willingness to help, love for beauty, and interest in life - are all wonderful qualities he inherited from both his parents.  Carl and Toni were married 50 years and amongst many wonderful contributions to the world, gave us the gift of Rio.

If you are able, we would appreciate any support for Rio and his family.  Donations will help bring ease to these last days they will have together. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my [long] letter…and thank you for your support - we are blessed to have a wonderful community filled with beautiful folks like yourself.  

Blessings, 

Amy, Rio’s friend that is like family (and housemate) on behalf of Rio and his father, Mops.  

We Love You 
xoxo