Mad Dog's Final Arrangements & Medical Bills

Hey there, I'm Nikki Meyers. I am creating this GoFundMe page for my mother-in-law, Mary Meyers. On Monday, March 27 the unfathomable happened, and she lost her best friend and partner of over 4 decades, Chuck. You may not recognize him by that name, however, as he is really known as "Mad Dog" to the entire world. Despite his name, however, Mad Dog was a really amazing (and very storied) man to know, and we were all so lucky to be part of his life. Most people certainly don't talk about how much they love their in-laws, but I guess I was one of the lucky ones. Dog and I were pretty close, and had an in-law relationship like no other. The same goes for my mother-in-law Mary. And so, it only makes sense that I set this up to help her.

Dog was pretty sick for a couple of years, having been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, to which he lost a kidney and had a myriad of other health issues from. The last year or so was particularly hard- both on Mad Dog, and certainly on Mary. Chuck was incredibly lucky though, as Mary spent her entire adult life as an ER nurse at Theda Care in Neenah, WI up until her retirement. She specialized, quite literally, in keeping people alive. She was the most incredible advocate for Chuck throughout his illness, and was an equally amazing caretaker (let's also not forget wife!) as well. At a certain point, his (very, very- one more time just for poignance, VERY expensive) treatments were no longer working for him, and Mad Dog, along with Mary, had to make the incredibly difficult decision to live out the rest of his days in comfort, at home through Hospice.

Mad Dog had the most amazing end-of-life love, comfort & nurturance, and was surrounded by family and those he loved right up until the end. It was what we all dream of when we think of (what is hopefully light years away) our own departure from this earth.

From his passing, Mary is now left with the loss of her partner and best friend, but certainly isn't being left out on the mounds of medical bills and final arrangements costs that come with years-long illnesses.

So, as her favorite (ok, only, but still) daughter-in-law, it would mean the world to me to be able to give her some financial relief, and help lift that burden for her as best I can. I have asked every single person who asks me "is there anything else I can help you with?" whether it's the nice person at the end of my interaction at the grocery store, or gas station, or even when I call to discuss the cable bill, if they have the winning lottery numbers, and have thus far struck out. So, I thought it best to look to our community. Those of you who knew Dog knew he was quite the hoot, those of you who have lost someone who was your partner know the gaping hole that leaves, so I look to you to give if you are able to help make these financial burdens one less tear to shed for her.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and one day, if we ever do win the lottery- paws crossed, we will happily pay it forward).

Nikki