Dear friends, it is with great sadness that I write to ask you for your help. Most of you already know that Mark died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, July 8th. Since then, I have been trying to process the unimaginable shock and grief. It is a heavy burden, and I've been so overwhelmed, that I'm just starting to realize that without his income, I am in real financial trouble. Mark was the sole breadwinner for our family. I have a disability that prevents me from working, so I relied on Mark for everything.

Besides the significant expenses that come immediately after such a shocking tragedy, there are mountains of outstanding medical bills. Add to that the daily bills like the mortgage, the utilities, and my own considerable medical expenses, and it's clear that I won't be able to make ends meet without some help. No one likes to ask for financial assistance for themselves, but in my case, it's an undeniable necessity.

I see the outpouring of love and care from Mark's theatre family, writer friends, colleagues like fellow educators, directors, and co-workers, and all his friends and family, and it fills me with comfort. I have read each and every one of your beautiful words. You've done so much already by giving Mark such amazing friendship during his life. Honestly, I don't even know how much to ask for, but whatever you could possibly consider would be very much appreciated, more so than I could ever express.

Every penny you give will go directly to helping me pay for Mark's burial expenses and all of the other massive expenses I am facing alone. While I plan on a memorial service of some kind in the future, nothing is solidified quite yet. I'm just trying to get my feet on the ground here with the mountain of bills I'm facing so that I can get a bit of breathing room to face the future, a future that feels uncertain and scary. Your support will go a long way in helping me find the strength I need. Thank you again for everything you all have done for Mark, and thank you for your consideration today.

Gratefully,

Kate