Support for the Rutchik family

Peter and I have known Holly and Joseph for decades and they are our oldest and dearest friends. Their love story is one of the sweetest and saddest you’ll ever hear.

 

After just 15 years of marriage, Joseph was diagnosed with advanced cancer in June, confirmed by an oncologist on his 40th birthday. The cancer was aggressive and ruthless and while they attempted chemo for a short time, Joseph came home to live out his remaining days on August 13th, suffering bravely and heroically for 12 long and painful weeks at home until he passed away on November 9. 

 

Many friends of theirs know that Joseph was no stranger to medical treatment. After losing his dad suddenly during his freshman year of college, it was discovered that he and his father shared a genetic condition (Loeys-Dietz) that led to open heart surgeries, loss of some mobility, and many other medical interventions through the years.

 

Because of his condition, life insurance was never a possibility for Joseph. This is why our support of them is so incredibly important.

 

Holly and Joseph are the proud parents of five beautiful children. The oldest turned 14 on the day Joseph died and the youngest is five. They were Joseph’s pride and joy and he was an amazing and attentive father, truly one of the best you could know!

 

Two of the five Rutchik children share the genetic condition that Joseph had, Loeys Dietz, and have extensive and expensive medical needs. Holly works full time (and more!) but Joseph’s income was extremely important to the family’s functioning. Please consider honoring Joseph’s memory by helping to support his beautiful family so that they can heal from this difficult time with fewer immediate and long term financial concerns.