Steve Meyerdierks End of Life Costs

Many of you have asked me how you can help or what you can do to be helpful? You’ve asked me how Michelle and the kids will move forward and what their needs might be? It is extremely difficult for Michelle to ask for any sort of help, so I’ve put this page together to help her and the kids to move forward in their grief and to plan a Celebration of Steve’s Life.  

The last eight years have been very difficult for Steve and his family. Steve was initially diagnosed with cancer in August of 2011. He had chemo and radiation and he held a positive outlook. In August of 2013, Steve was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer. This time it brought even more challenges and it was decided the best chance for survival was for Steve to undergo an extensive head and neck surgery. The first thing he wrote to his family after awakening in the ICU was, “We are blessed!”

Over this last year, Michelle has been unable to work for many days at a time. She has now been off of work for nearly 4 weeks and she will need another couple of weeks to get things in order and to plan a Celebration of Life for Steve, and honestly, to just grieve along side of Emma and Joe.  Her time off has never been paid time off.  Michelle has tirelessly spent each day by Steve’s side as his caregiver and medical advocate, and as his wife and the mother of his children.  Sadly, Michelle has learned that Steve’s pension will be put on hold for a minimum of 8 weeks and his Social Security Disability Income ceased the day he passed.

 As you can imagine, the family is grieving and the last thing they should worry about are finances. We can help them through this very difficult time and I know  they’d be extremely grateful for the love, support, and any means of outreach. 

Michelle said it best on April 24, 2019, “Steve took his wings and soon afterward an eagle soared overhead.” Literally, Steve took his last breath and within moments Emma noticed an eagle was circling right above his room. Let’s provide wings to this family by way of our generosity so they can feel a sense of lightness and less worry in the days and weeks to come.