Our Dire Family Emergency

Two weeks ago, there was a dire family emergency that required a long-time friend (Karen Grossi), my cousin (Cassaundra Jayne) and my sister (Amelia Jayne) to come to New York and stay with my children and me on alternating shifts. My sister and cousin have their own children to support and yet have had to take time off work--some paid, some not, and shclep up to the Bronx from MA. Karen has had to drop everything and travel the most back and forth to NYC from CT. Karen has spent the most time here and, going forward, will be the primary caretaker for the family.

This family emergency was completely unanticipated and has uprooted each of our lives in profound ways. We do not want to disclose the details regarding the emergency as it is deeply personal, though you may already know the details if you have spoken to the four of us.

I am incredibly grateful for Karen, Cassandra and Amelia's willingness to help. Under ideal circumstances, I would be able to provide them with financial assistance, including reimbursement for gas, food, parking, and travel expenses; however, in the past month, I have had roughly $20k in unexpected expenses, including buying a new water boiler so our apartment would have heat and hot water, and paying the entire mortgage because of the NYC's delay in processing rental vouchers for my tenants. Accordingly, this month I am struggling to meet my own financial obligations, nevermind dealing with the financial implications of the Family emergency on Karen, Cassaundra and Amelia, much less myself.

We anticipate that the implications of this emergency will last for at least the next three months and potentially longer. The figure is just an estimate. We all would appreciate any assistance. Further, if you would like to donate directly, we would greatly appreciate gas station gift cards or grocery store gift cards or any other contribution.

Thank you for reading our plea.