Hello, my name is Carrie Macke & I truly appreciate you taking the time to read the story that is currently happening to my family. This is not something I am comfortable with doing, but my family has a desperate need for help. My daughter Chelsea & my grandchildren live in Kingman, Arizona & have an immediate need for financial assistance. Chelsea is a single mother with two children, ages 8 & 10, & has been working full time as a newspaper reporter/photographer/journalist while also taking college classes. This is a challenging time in the newspaper business & her hours have recently been reduced. She has been furloughed & currently only works 3 days per week.

It has been a very difficult year for Chelsea & the children since she left Omaha, Nebraska & an abusive husband, who she is separated from now. He is living in California with friends, has not paid ANY child support all year, was working as a bartender for a few months, but was fired. He has no motivation to work anytime soon & has blown every paycheck on himself, but not contributing to support his 2 children. (Buying alcohol & drugs is a "priority" for him)

Chelsea’s father initially reached out to help her move from Omaha to Kingman & she was thankful for his help. She was able to receive assistance from the County, including food stamps to buy groceries for herself & the children. He works in the newspaper industry & helped her get a position at the local newspaper. When she was hired full-time, the County said she no longer “qualified” for assistance. Her father also helped with housing, including co-signing on a 2 bedroom apartment in a low-income housing complex, ½ block from the children’s school.

Two weeks ago, while Chelsea & the children were away from their home, Chelsea’s father & stepmother, entered their apartment (without permission) & stole the family pets from their home, including 2 family cats, Crowley & James & the children’s “Teddy Bear” pet hamsters that were a Christmas gift for the children. The hamster cages, with toys, bedding, pet food bags, cat litter boxes were found in the dumpster next to their apartment. As you can imagine, this has been very traumatic for Chelsea & the children. FYI, Crowley is Chelsea’s ESA (emotional support animal).

My granddaughter called him crying “Papa, WHY did you take James, Crowley, Tofu & Butternut”? WHERE ARE THEY”? She begged him by phone & text to tell her where their beloved family pets were. So, what did “Papa” do? He BLOCKED her. Who blocks their 10-year old grandchild? Chelsea called, texted & emailed him asking where the family pets are. He refused to tell her. I called & texted him, with no response other than “don’t ever call my work again”.

Chelsea could not sleep or focus at work & the children could not focus in school, due to the trauma of losing their family members. Gwendolyn is a highly academic student & ranks as one of the top students in her grade. This has been so devastating to her & her brother to the point where Kieran cried at school & told his teacher what happened. Their "Papa" STILL refuses to tell anyone where the family pets are, or if he & his wife harmed them—or worse. Absolutely heart-breaking.

As if this traumatizing experience wasn’t enough for Chelsea & the children, her father emailed her on August 27, 2024, stating she & the children must vacate the apartment by SEPTEMBER 30, 2024. He has vowed to end any assistance effective immediately. His wife emailed her the next day stating her utilities & car insurance will terminate as well.

My family is the reason I started a GoFundMe page to reach out for help for my beautiful daughter & precious grandchildren who mean the WORLD to me!! This situation has been a nightmare for them & I am asking for ANY support/donation/contribution & sharing this page everywhere to help them get back on their feet, will mean so much! If you cannot donate, please share this page!!

ANY contribution amount will be appreciated for Chelsea to overcome the challenges she is facing to afford to secure housing for her & the children, ASAP. Help with moving costs for an apartment, or down payment on a small house, mobile home, car insurance, utilities & lawyer to proceed with legally finding their family pets as well. ANY amount of help/support will be a HUGE weight lifted off her shoulders!!

On behalf of Chelsea, Gwendolyn & Kieran, may God bless you!! You are appreciated & will be acknowledged!!

Gratefully,

Carrie L. Macke