Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

Jennifer Russo here. I regret that I need to come to you again-

I'm hoping to raise Four Thousand Dollars in Four Weeks to pay for our first-half property taxes.

Originally, I came to you a few years ago, and the beginning of this story can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/russo-family-resource-fund-for-end-of-life-care . Since then, I have learned a lot about making do, making ends meet, making dinner, and making the best of it. I have a ways to go yet, and I'm still a poor cook.

Most Importantly: Charlie Russo manages very well. He had a series of falls towards the end of 2024, and by February '25 we decided to use the wheelchair full-time. I think it's safer for him, although his legs get weaker and it's harder for him to stand. All of his vision is gone; his mobility is gone, and his balance was one of the first things to go. His good humor seems to be be intact, and I am always thankful that while the strokes have taken a lot, he does not have dementia.

Our mortgage payment has not included our property taxes. It wasn't a problem when I was working as we had money in the bank. Currently, it's the mixed blessing, as we would have trouble meeting a larger payment when our income is mostly social security. I've been managing the household on less than $2K/mo, but not really managing, as the annual expenses of taxes and insurance are outside of our running budget.

We have less than $6K owing on this house. It's our only asset, and our main debt- the only other debt is the home equity line of credit. No personal debt, no medical debt, no credit card debt, and all utilities are current. I negotiated the HELOC to 6.99%, down from 7.24. I'd rather not add more to it, as the maintenance isn't free.

I've tried to do everything I can imagine, and I wish I could think of something else besides this fundraiser. We have been in a program that supplies an in-home care worker, but that has been difficult and less than useful, so we won't continue. I was hoping for support from Hospice, but none of his diagnosis (CVA, RCVS, CHF, COPD, heart disease, kidney disease,) qualify him for their support. We will continue on this journey together. Charlie does not want residential care elsewhere.

The bill is $3,064.10 for the first half, (due 4/31,) but I'm hoping to also buy a new mattress. Charlie's side is at least an inch, maybe two, lower than my side. I could try to turn it, but then I'm in the sad tired low spot, and will I be able to lift him then?

I'm hoping to sell the house next year. To get something smaller, easier to heat.

I'm hoping that the spring weather will bring some hope to all of us.

I'm hoping for another anniversary; March 19th this year was the 35th of our first kiss. (7/26 = 34 years married)

Thank you- for listening and reading, for your kindness in the past and for granting me some grace in the present. I hope to pay it forward, when I get there.