Jay and Carrie Lewey have spent the past four years showing up for McLean student-athletes, and now they need their community to show up for them. Jay coached McLean High School football and wrestling. Carrie was a driving force behind the McLean Boosters and a steady supporter of student-athletes across the community. They did not just show up for their own children, Rachel and Will. They showed up for teammates, coaches, families, and students throughout McLean.

Jay, a recently retired military veteran, is now fighting cancer along with multiple serious complications. He is hospitalized several hours from home and is expected to remain there for several weeks at minimum. Carrie has been by his side through this fight, but she has exhausted her paid leave from work. Although she may be able to take up to 12 weeks of FMLA, that time would be unpaid, leaving the family in an incredibly difficult position as they try to balance Jay’s care with the family’s financial stability.

This fundraiser is asking the community to raise $30,000 to give Carrie some breathing room during the coming months. This is not a fundraiser for Jay’s medical bills. It is about giving Carrie the ability to be with Jay. The funds raised will help offset the income Carrie will lose while taking time away from work, as well as the additional expenses that come with being away from home while Jay is hospitalized and during his recovery at home. We do not know exactly what the coming weeks and months will look like. What is clear is that Jay will need Carrie, and Carrie should not have to worry about a paycheck while she is caring for her husband.

For the past four years, the Leweys gave their time, energy, and hearts to our kids. They coached them. They encouraged them. They cheered for them. They supported them. They showed up. Now it’s our turn to show up for the Leweys.

If Jay or Carrie has touched your life, coached your child, supported your athlete, cheered for your team, or simply been part of your McLean family, please consider contributing. And if you can’t contribute financially, please share this fundraiser. Reaching someone who knows the Leweys—or someone who simply believes that a family shouldn’t have to face something like this alone—can make a difference.

Let’s give Carrie the breathing room she needs. Let’s give the Lewey family the support they have spent years giving to others. For four years, the Leweys showed up for McLean. Now it’s our turn to show up for the Leweys.