My name is Shannon Persinger, and I am reaching out with a heavy heart on behalf of my mom, Carol Sears. She is currently facing the unimaginable as she prepares to say goodbye to her beloved husband of 33 years, Steven Sears. My dad (Steve) is battling terminal Stage 4 brain, spine, and lung cancer that has rapidly and aggressively spread throughout his body.

On October 19, 2024, what began as a normal 2-mile walk along the river turned into a life-altering moment. Mom noticed sudden stroke-like symptoms in Dad, and despite his insistence to "sleep it off," things didn’t improve. Over the next few days, multiple hospital visits and tests confirmed a devastating reality: Dad had cancer which was far more advanced than anyone could have anticipated. By the time he was transferred to OSF in Peoria, IL, doctors discovered more than 20 tumors in his brain alone.

Despite their hope and resilience, the cancer progressed quickly. On November 13, Steve was transferred to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, IA, to spend his remaining days in comfort surrounded by family.

Throughout this journey, my mom has been a rock, caring for Dad while also juggling her role as a full-time caregiver for her own mother (who is temporarily staying with my mom's sister). Yet the financial toll of this sudden tragedy is immense. From costly medical bills, hospice care at $300/day, and hospital transfers, to living expenses, my mom now faces the dual heartbreak of losing her partner and potentially selling the home they built together (To get more assistance from family while caring for her own Mother, and reduce additional financial pressures) — a place where they raised five children (Derek deceased, Kristina, Kiah, Lindsay, Shannon) and made countless memories with their 12 grandchildren (Logan, Dylan, Trevor, Nolan, Elizabeth, Kinnick, Ezekiel, Kaylee, Elijah, Ariana, Emmett, Rylen).

After Steve passes, Mom will lose a significant portion of her income. Our goal is to alleviate the financial burden during this difficult time, covering medical expenses and at least three months of basic living costs to give Mom the time and space she needs to grieve, care for her mother, and pay her monthly finances.

Your donations will directly help with:

Our family is incredibly grateful for any support, whether through donations or prayers, as we navigate this heartbreaking chapter. Together, we hope to provide Mom with the stability she needs to honor Dad’s memory without the added weight of financial stress.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, generosity, and prayers during this time. ❤️

Isaiah 57 "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death."