Support for Jon the Mailman

Jon Rider is one of our mail carriers in Cameron Station. But he is not just an anonymous postal worker. He has been an integral part of our community for more than 20 years. There are very few residents who are not acquainted with Jon. He always makes time to stop and have a brief chat, always ready with a friendly word, and to ask about our families. He knows the older residents and delivers packages to their doors. He seems to know every dog in the neighborhood, never hesitating to stop and give them a scratch behind their ears, and they all know that he keeps those special dog treats in his shirt pocket. We tease him about how he always wears shorts even in the middle of winter, about how when he lets his hair and beard grow the neighborhood kids think he looks like Santa Claus.

Well, Jon and his family have been hit with devastating news lately. His wife Cindy has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has begun Chemo treatment. We are all hoping and praying for the best possible outcome but as many of us know firsthand, this is a debilitating and expensive illness. And it affects the entire family. John and his wife have a 12 year old boy, who is a good student as well as an outstanding soccer player, and a 9 year old girl. Their little girl has several health issues herself as well as learning challenges. In order to give her the best possible education on a one-on-one basis, Cindy has been home schooling her. This may not be able to continue given the current circumstances.

This Go Fund Me account is our way of helping Jon and his family. Any amount raised can help with transportation to and from chemo treatment for Cindy, taking the kids out for a pizza, help with cleaning the house and laundry, perhaps a tutor for their little girl. Please consider donating any amount, no matter how small, to Jon’s family, our postal worker as well as our friend.