My wife and I were together for 27 years. She was Native American from the Sioux tribe in South Dakota—beautiful, smart, caring, and the most unselfish person I knew. She lived for our son, our daughter, and our grandson, always putting her family first. Her health hadn’t been good for a number of years, but she overcame every challenge with strength and grace until recently, when our household caught pneumonia.

My wife, my mother, and I all lived together, and I was the main financial support for our family. My wife couldn’t work due to epilepsy and other medical conditions, but she was the heart of our home. When we all became ill, it happened so fast. Her loss has left us in a situation we never expected, both emotionally and financially. The suddenness of it all has been overwhelming—just two days before, she was up and playing with our grandson, and then everything changed.

The funds raised will go toward her funeral expenses, to make sure she has the service she deserves, and to help with the medical bills that are coming due. I’m not one to ask for anything, but I was told this might help, so here I am. We’re a private family and don’t usually share our struggles, but for my wife, I would do anything—even this. Her passing has left a hole in our lives, and as I write this, my mother is still in the hospital. Your kindness and support during this heartbreaking time would mean more than words can say. Thank you for your time, your generosity, and for helping my family through this unexpected loss.