Caregivers for special needs individuals sacrifice so much for their loved ones. This time, it's the caregiver that needs a little care. In addition to caring for her husband who suffered for 16 years from Parkinson’s disease, Mona Atnip also cared for her son who suffered from congestive heart failure and bi-polar disorder for the past 25 years. Her teenaged granddaughter, Brianna, was born with a congenial vision impairment which rendered her legally blind. The load was almost too great to bear and most people would probably never even attempt to carry it. But Mona rose to each challenge with grace and strength, always putting everyone else’s needs before her own, purely out of love.

When her son was admitted to the hospital last week, Mona was already there as a patient undergoing emergency heart surgery. It was the first time she was unable to be there for her son and granddaughter.

Despite her fragile condition, she asked the nurses to bring her to him.

The hospital allowed for her bed to be brought into his room and she stayed by his side for several hours before he passed. Dear friends, this is the kind of person who deserves our help, but would never ask for it. Caregivers like Mona give so much unselfishly and yet feel so guilty about receiving help. Therefore, it is truly an honor and a privilege to create this fundraiser for someone so incredibly humble and deserving. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help lighten the load of Mona's sudden financial, emotional, and physical burdens. Your donation will gift her the time she needs to care for her granddaughter who has lost her father and to care for herself as she recovers from surgery and processes the loss of her beloved son.

Please give what you can if you are able to and thank you for taking the time to learn about our amazing friend, Mona.

With heartfelt gratitude, Don & Kelly Nelson