Hello all, my name is Rachel Gavin and I’m fundraising for my close family friends, the Perrys. Glenn Perry, the father of my best friend Nicole, was diagnosed in September with Stage 4 liver cancer and has been undergoing treatment since. I’ve grown up with the Perrys. I’ve known Nicole for eleven years now, and ever since we met in fourth grade her parents, Glenn and Gretchen, have been unbelievably welcoming and warm, inviting me to family events and vacations and always being a constant in my life. The Perrys have been part of the Burlington community for over fifteen years, raising Nicole. Watching them go through these unprecedented times together, I wanted to find a way to help.

Gretchen and Glenn are two of the most hardworking individuals I know, who are doing all they can given their circumstances. Due to the severity of Glenn’s cancer, he is unable to work, leaving Gretchen to be the sole source of income for the family. However, Gretchen has also had to cut down her work hours given that she is Glenn’s primary caretaker now.

Additionally, Glenn’s application for disability aid has been delayed. Gretchen picks up jobs here and there to help make ends meet, working as a nanny, a housekeeper, and a caretaker, but due to Glenn’s cancer, her work hours are much more limited. A new and unprecedented circumstance this family is also now undergoing is Nicole’s uncle, who is also currently staying with the Perrys due to an ongoing medical issue that Gretchen is also caring for both in time and financially. These donations would go towards helping alleviate this family’s overall costs of living and allow the Perry family to prioritize Glenn’s health.

The Perrys are a close knit bunch who care deeply about their family and friends, always making sure to let the people in their life know they are loved. Gretchen is hardworking, funny, and a wonderful chef. Gretchen and Glenn love their daughter Nicole with all their heart and are so proud of who she has become and her accomplishments. Nicole is studying a double major in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Conservation at the University of Massachusetts and spends her time hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and hiking. You could drop Nicole on any trail and she would find her way around in a heartbeat! Glenn is authentic, generous, and loves to play his guitar. If you’ve ever gotten the privilege to hear him play, then you would agree that he has a real passion and talent for music. He hasn’t been able to play recently, and is looking forward to getting back to it, as well as going for long Sunday drives listening to the Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton.

Through hard work, persistence, and unbelievably positive attitudes, the Perry family is managing to do the best with what they have been given. Their strength and tenacity are beyond admirable considering their tough circumstances. They truly are some of the most deserving people I know.

The Perry family is my family. Watching them face these challenges, and watching Gretchen work nonstop to care and provide for her family, I wanted to find a way to help. I am asking that we come together in the Burlington community and beyond to help out the wonderful Perry family, to help alleviate the financial and emotional burden that has arisen and give back to a family that has given me so much. I ask that you take a moment to consider donating what you can and to please share this so that we can reach more helping hands. Any contributions will be unbelievably appreciated.

The Perry family and I appreciate your kindness and generosity and wish you all the best. Happy New Year and Thank you!