In Loving Memory of Michael LaFollette – Seeking Help After an Unexpected Loss

Hello, my name is Dena Hart LaFollette, and I never imagined I’d be writing something like this.

A few months ago, I lost my husband Mikey—suddenly and far too soon. We had been together for 18 ½ years, spending nearly every day side by side. He was my best friend, my partner in everything, and life without him will never be the same. I stayed by his side during his hospital stay, sleeping in his room for nearly two weeks. It gave him comfort, and somehow, it gave me strength too.

Mikey was a mechanic and had been working on fixing our cars before he passed. Tragically, he was just a week away from having both health and life insurance coverage. Because of that, I’ve been left with no income, no transportation, and a mountain of medical bills—approaching $900,000, even after reductions from the hospital. I was a homemaker for nearly two decades, and while I’m now actively searching for remote work and trying to sell items online, I’m struggling to make ends meet.

I’ve been able to manage some things thanks to a few close family members and a couple of dear friends, but the truth is: I can't do this alone anymore. I've had to cover the costs of Mikey's cremation, our household bills, and daily necessities, all while grieving his tragic passing.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help, but I find myself with no other choice. Any support—financial, emotional, or even just sharing this campaign—means the world to me right now.

Nothing will ever be the same without Mikey, but the world keeps turning, even though it feels like it shouldn't. I’m doing my best to keep going, one step at a time.

With love and deep gratitude,

Dena

PS: He had a service up in Washington that I could not attend, so I would love to have one here, too.