Support Bridget's Giving Heart

My name is Sam. In December of 2007, I lost my stepfather, Kelly, to brain cancer. Kelly suffered from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) - an aggressive and fast-growing brain tumor. He was diagnosed in April 2007 and died 8 months later. He was only 34 years old.

Throughout those tumultuous months, my mother, Bridget Weinberg, never left Kelly's side. She left her career as a certified ophthalmic technician to become his full-time caregiver. She would dress and bathe him, accompany him to his many medical appointments, provide aid when he'd have seizures, and was a fierce advocate. Kelly was able to remain comfortable in his own home instead of a facility due to Bridget's sacrifices. All the while she still parented a 13-year-old child.

Kelly's death left Bridget a widow and single-mother at the age of 31. She raised me on her own throughout my teenage years, and continues to support me and my two children even now. She is a primary caregiver to my 6-year-old, who is Autistic and asthmatic, and 4-year-old. She also financially supports me as I get back on my feet after going through a divorce. My mother is truly a "badass caregiver" who would sacrifice anything for her loved ones and community.

On top of supporting a family of four, Bridget is the director and group facilitator of The Kelly Weinberg Foundation (KWF) - a nonprofit she started in 2008 to support the cancer community in the Hampton Roads, VA area. For 16 years, Bridget has been providing support groups for cancer patients, survivors, and those grieving the loss of a loved one - all for FREE. Those who know Bridget know firsthand how she goes above and beyond to provide support & camaraderie to those who need it. Not only does she facilitate multiple support groups every week, she also provides one-on-one support, visits her group members in the hospital, and is ALWAYS available via phone call or text - all without her receiving any compensation. For Bridget, those who join her support groups are not just members, they are family.

Recently, it has become increasingly more difficult for Bridget to cover KWF expenses. Bridget frequently uses her personal funds to offset costs that donations don't cover. She is not compensated for any of the groups she facilitates - nor is she compensated for transportation costs to visit group members. Bridget is also helping me cover medical expenses associated with my children's ER and urgent care visits - as my son is recovering from a case of pneumonia.

My goal is to help raise enough funds so that Bridget can continue providing free support and services for the local cancer community without financial burden. All donations will directly support the Kelly Weinberg Foundation and/or Bridget Weinberg.

My mother has sacrificed so much and continuously given back to her community - please help me give back to her. If anyone deserves this, it is her. Words cannot express how thankful I am for her - and how grateful I am for all of you.

If you'd like to learn more about The Kelly Weinberg Foundation or get involved, check out https://www.kellyweinbergfoundation.org/ . I love you all and thank you so very much.

With gratitude,

Sam Eldridge