Stand with the Reeds in Their Time of Need

Friends, family, and compassionate souls, I come to you today with a heavy heart. For those who know me, you understand that I seldom find myself in the position of initiating a GoFundMe campaign. Yet, today, I stand before you, humbly requesting your support for a family on my father's side that has recently become so dear to my heart — the Reeds.

The Reeds, Chris, Jacque (Jackie), and Gwen, were all set to move up from Oklahoma to the Pacific NW to start a new adventure in their lives. Jackie had tried to transfer with the same company she worked with for a long time, but there were no positions available in Washington, so she was forced to give her notice. For weeks she had been sending out her resume and interviewing. Chris had finished off his assignment so that he could focus on getting the house ready to sell. Gwen was finishing up her school year as a ten-year-old with her own medical issues.

Jackie was understandably stressed out, so it seemed reasonable when she woke up with a bit of a sore throat and her lymph nodes seemed swollen. She had also been feeling run down and losing some weight, but who wouldn’t with such a big life change coming up. She always managed to offer her nursing advice whenever a family member complained of any medical issues, but this time she just wrote off her own concerns as “flu”.

She received a lovely offer for a job that she thought would be a "blessing" and things seemed to be moving right along. She reluctantly made plans to relocate on her own so she can start work and get things ready for the rest of the family to join her. Chris, Gwen, 2 cats and a dog, would join them after the house was sold. (The chickens decided to stay) Then one night she wakes up in agony with pain that she describes as being as bad as “childbirth”, and Chris takes her to the hospital. The doctors were unable to diagnose what was causing the pain, but what they do see is that her bloodwork is all wrong.

Flash forward, and she is told she has one of the most aggressive forms of Leukemia there is. She is moved into a different hospital to begin chemo immediately. Her new job needs her to start by a certain date for which she cannot possibly do and unfortunately she is forced to give it up after everything. Her previous employer is gracious enough to accept her back, but she is unable to work from the hospital. Chris is still not working and now they have to relocate to another city in Oklahoma to be closer to the hospital she is in. For all of them, in the blink of an eye, their world is turned upside down.

Today, I implore you to join me in offering a beacon of hope to the Reed family. Your generosity will alleviate the burden of at least some of the expenses that are coming up, allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on Jackie's treatment and recovery. Every donation, no matter how big or small, is a lifeline of support for this remarkable family.

As they navigate this uncertain journey, let us stand beside them as pillars of strength and solidarity. Together, we can ease their burden, lighten their load, and remind them that they are not alone in this fight.

You can donate anonymously and please continue to share this. My thanks you to all of you!

Desiree