A Mother's Dying Wish

One of my very best friends, Jodi Ann Germann, a beautiful woman just 47 years old, was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of vulva cancer in 2014, just two months after having a relatively easy, natural pregnancy. Her beautiful daughter Mallory, born on October 14th, was a blessing and a miracle to Jodi and her loving husband Beau.


Over the last 4 years, instead of spending her time devoted to raising her daughter and enjoying those tender early years, Jodi's time with Mallory has been interspersed with battling through radiation, several types of chemo therapy, trials and immuno-therapy, all of which has stopped working over time. Her cancer has now spread rapidly throughout her lungs, liver and now recently discovered in a spot on her upper spine.

This has become a very difficult time for Jodi and her husband Beau.  Their first priority has been keeping their beautiful daughter, Mallory, as loved and cared for as they could possibly manage.

Beau has been the caretaker for Jodi and Mallory during this incredibly difficult time, taking his work and control over being a provider away from him.  He has done this for them with no question and is the best father anyone could ever ask for. Each and every day, his pride and passion is evident in his loving care for Mallory.  It really is one of the most beautiful relationships I have ever witnessed.  

The final news of the cancer's advance has been indescribable for Jodi. "Sitting in my Doctor's office and finding out my final prognosis just this week has been absolutely devastating. All I could think about is my daughter's face and all the things I will miss seeing her grow up. My whole body started trembling." Her doctor told her she would probably have months, but more than likely not a year.

This family has been fortunate to have had Social Security Disability benefits to assist them with paying their mortgage for the last four years while they've been battling cancer. However, when they called their private mortgage company recently to ask if there might be any kind of forgiveness possibility under the circumstances, the result was that they were thrown to the collection wolves—even though they are not behind on their payments. A disconcerting answer to their query that they certainly didn't need at this time.

Jodi's dying wish is to have is to have at least another year to live, not only to get the most out of being with her family, but in hopes her Social Security will pay off the mortgage on their house, to make things easier on Beau and Mallory after she's gone. They owe $16,500. Having this burden relieved would help her rest in peace and be able to let go when it is time. It would give Beau some transition time to get back into work so he can provide for himself and Mallory. Jodi and Beau want their house to be an asset for their daughter, so that no matter what happens in the future, she will always have this home.

They've also depleted Mallory's savings to pay for homeowner's insurance and real estate taxes, and Beau's time from work to help care for Mallory and Jodi has reduced his income over the last four years by over $90,000. Adding even more stress to the family was flood damage that occured during Hurricane Irma in 2017, which was partially covered by insurance, but not all. Their kitchen cabinets and floors are rotting from the water that entered during the flooding.

I have made our goal for fundraising high enough to pay off the home, make the needed repairs and hopefully restore Mallory's savings for college, as well as some additional financial support to help Beau and Jodi as they spend their last few months together. They've exhausted their savings paying bills and there are still more to come. Both Jodi and Beau have lost income from her treatments and the unending battle to keep her alive and comfortable. Even the smallest contribution will help us put Jodi's mind at ease that her family will be safe and sound as she transitions from this earth to everlasting life. Jodi is not a person comfortable with handouts, so I am taking this task upon myself as my last gift to my friend.

This October will be Mallory's last birthday with her mom. We would love to make this an extra special day for the family with a "Princess Party", complete with a bounce house. If anyone has connections to businesses to help make this happen, please contact me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me make this last wish become reality for my lovely, kind and giving friend, Jodi Ann Germann.

Sincerely,

Lark René Henry