Reaching out for help after the passing of my mom JoAnn.

For those who know the full story, Mom got sick in 2003 with cancer. That diagnosis started the forthcoming 21 years of struggle, pain, and agony. Mom still fought to make the most of her days until it became too much to overcome. In November 2022 she entered the hospital and would sadly never return home again. Mom endured so much, too much, and on June 9th, 2024 she made the decision to enter into Hospice and would sadly take her final breath on June 16th, 2024. Never in my life have I ever asked for help or support. Mom expressed her wishes and didn't want me or anyone else to be subjected to a funeral or a service. Sadly, Mom had her disability money taken from her years prior, she had no life insurance as no one would approve her and you get the point. I am her only child and I did all that I could for her the entirety of the time. Sadly, after her passing, we are still left with thousands of dollars owed to a funeral home, medical bills, credit cards and so much more. It has become even harder than expected and because of that, I'm reaching out for help.

I do not take asking for help lightly. It breaks my heart to do so. I've been blessed with a best friend and true soulmate that Mom adored in my wife Hollis. It's because of her that I am still going strong and fighting on mom's behalf. However, the financial burden is steep. So many asked "When is a service being held" or "How can we help". I appreciate all of the outreach and at the time there wasn't anything that you could do. After spending countless thousands of dollars with countless thousands left, this is an opportunity for you to help if it's at all possible. Whether it's a dollar or ten it will all go to lessening the financial impact that wrongfully hurts and buries so many families after the passing of a loved one. Mom would always say "Ask for help and don't go silent"! Needless to say, I'm following her advice. It's a rough time and a difficult holiday season but, I take solace in knowing that mom is finally at peace and no longer has to struggle just to breathe or make it to the next day. Mom is home with the Lord and that does put my soul at ease but, it doesn't make the absence any easier. I know it's a terrible time to ask for any assistance but I am humbly reaching out as it's needed now more than ever before. If you can find it in your heart to help in any way possible, it would mean so very much to me and it would also mean so much to mom. Thank you, God bless you all, and may you have a blessed Holiday season. Hold your loved ones tight - cherish what you have and make certain to never take a second, a minute, or even a day for granted as you never know how much time those who matter the most will be by your side. To my mom, I love you, I miss you and I'll always do my best to make you proud and I'll never stop fighting for you and others. I may falter along the way but I'll never lose sight of trying to be the best person I can be and I'll always choose light vs the dark, even though it's a struggle at times, I know you'd want and expect better. Please watch over us and be our guardian Angel. You're forever in my heart.

As Many of you know my mom passed away now nearly 6 months ago, As an only child I did everything I could for her and at the time of her passing it was such a whirlwind..people wrote me and asked when the service would be held, where they could send flowers or if I needed any help just to reach out. At Mom’s request, she did not want a service and was cremated. My story isn’t unique as many unfortunately know the costs associated after one passes and the medical bills that weren’t covered went on my credit card —, since mom’s financial situation wasn’t good as she had many medical costs that I became responsible for -including ambulance rides and emergency medical hospital visits that Medicaid didn’t cover- it was then I knew the cruelty of the medical system when they out of the blue cut her monthly assistance 2 years before she passed. So I started this fundraiser, as I have never asked for support before and take pride in doing things myself, but I hear her voice echoing in my ear saying ask for help. So I am doing that. If you were going to send flowers or wanted to attend. A service there wasn’t one because we didn’t have the finances. of course, if I had to do it all over again - I would because she is my mom- but the financial aftermath has been very difficult to take on. Any dollar amount would help and I would be appreciative and she would too. I know it’s a bad time to ask with the holidays but I decided to take her advice and ask. If you knew Joanne or remember her I have attached a tribute video for you to watch. Again I thank you so much if you can offer any support.