~ Moving Forward ~ ProjectPorterFamily

As many of you know, our family has recently faced a few health challenges. Last September I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer & have been receiving treatment for the past 7 months, including chemotherapy & surgery. Lyle had been suffering from osteoarthritis and just underwent a much needed hip replacement surgery on April 30th. Now, at a most unfortunate time, we find ourselves faced with the need to move out of our home & find a new place to live. On the day before my surgery, we received a letter from our landlord stating that we would need to vacate by June 1st. In the letter it acknowledged that we had never once been late in paying our rent but that they had plans for the house, the details of which they did not share. We quickly submitted a letter to our landlord outlining our current physical limitations, and requested an extension so that Lyle could recover properly before we'd need to move our entire household as well as Lyle's workshop in our basement. After receiving no reply, we submitted a second letter requesting to meet and discuss any possible accommodations, but still have heard nothing back. The timing of this required move is proving to be quite difficult & has created a financial strain that we had not anticipated. Lyle had planned so that we would be financially covered during his time off from work, while he recovered from his surgery. I also had hoped that I would be able to start to look for work again during this time. With our savings completely spent down over the past 7 months, things were going to be tight, but we would have gotten by. Unfortunately though, facing this move... with the need for a deposit on a new place to live, general moving expenses, and the need for additional physical help at this time, we find ourselves at a deficit. This season has stretched our family in a variety of areas, and in many ways we have grown stronger. I have no doubt of that. Our family has pulled together with perseverance & love in ways I never imagined we'd experience.  Also, our community has gathered lovingly around us; offering prayer, care, and support that has truly blessed us. We have gained a deeper reliance in our faith, and have been rewarded with many wonderful victories along the way. In other areas, this venture has left us somewhat depleted. These occurrences have taken a toll on us physically, emotionally, and financially.  Lyle and I each have a road of physical rehabilitation ahead of us, and the overall situation has left us with the need for some financial recovery as well. This year's circumstances have accrued many expenses. Some anticipated, some not so much. Even with the health insurance that we are so fortunate to have, supplemental medical expenses have proven to be substantial. As I was unable to work during the intensive cancer treatments, Lyle has been our primary provider. In addition, our younger sons Luke & Ben have also increased their financial independence. It is such a hard thing to ask for help in this way, but any assistance at this time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you sincerely, from the Porter family. ~ Mandy Porter P.S.  -  With this being our youngest son Ben's last year of high school, while in the midst of our struggles, much of the additional expenses of his senior year (things such as portraits, prom, & yearbook costs) has unfortunately fallen to his shoulders. Before we got news of the move, Ben also used much of his savings to purchase a "Senior Trip" package deal along with some friends, through a travel agency working with his high school. I only share this, so that if you see pictures of Ben vacationing on a beach, or hear fun stories of his adventure...  I'd like to ensure that you know - Ben paid for that excursion out his own earnings. And while we will try to assist Ben with a graduation celebration of some kind, we will be using any funds raised here with discretion, for the purpose of relocation expenses & moving forward!