UPDATE: I have gotten a total cost for Michael's cremation, burial, and his name on our family gravestone, $3,013. This cost is the most important expense I'm looking for help with. Again, Michael lost his life insurance when he had to leave his job because of his cancer. I'm very grateful for the donations received so far, and every little bit helps.

I am Michael's sister, Janet. My brother passed away on 2/29/24. I am the oldest of 5 kids. Our other 3 brothers, Bobby, Andy, and Jimmy have already passed away at 56, 31, and 12 years old. Michael was my last living brother. Our parents also passed years ago. This is so baffling to me how and why this has happened this way, but I vowed not to "go" until I have taken care of all my brothers.

Michael had been treated for esophageal cancer for the past 3 years. Michael was so happy he did not lose his hair with chemotherapy as he said he has a very lumpy head. :-) In the last few months, the cancer metastasized and really wore him down terribly until there was no hope and we needed to have him on hospice care, and 5 days later, he passed.

I adored Michael for being such a kind soul, and funny as hell. I have also heard that from the many friends he has had, and coworkers. He and his wife and best friend Stacy have known each other since they were young and I admire that they have been happily in love together for so many years.

Michael worked steadily his whole life as a machine operator. He loved his work and was really good at his job. Unfortunately, 3 years ago he had to stop working and go on Disability. He then lost his health benefits and life insurance. Stacy has not worked in order to take care of Michael - that meant maintaining his feeding tube, wound care, and anything else he needed, 24/7. He needed her constant help. I'm very thankful and proud of Stacy for her very tireless care of him. Unfortunately, his Social Security Disability was their only income. Now that he has passed, Stacy has no income at all. She will need to get back on her feet on her own, and we are working on those steps.

I am only on Social Security myself, and I have put out the money for his cremation, burial and related expenses. I have lent them a lot of money, and I have no regrets because I wanted to help them with whatever they needed, but I would really like to recoup that money, so I am humbly asking for donations so Stacy and I can both move forward.

We also hope to have a Celebration of Life, but again lack the funds right now to do that. We did not have a funeral service.

I sincerely thank you for whatever you can do. Much love and gratitude, Janet.