"For better or for worse, in sickness and in health..." One year ago, Sam and I vowed these words to each other; little did we know it would be tested this soon into our marriage. 

As we are all aware, the COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly and the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, especially chronic respiratory illness, are at high risk. And as many of you know, I, Julie, have Cystic Fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic respiratory disease. Something as minor as a cold can cause irreversible damage to my lungs but something as serious as COVID-19, a virus with no vaccine and no effective treatment, is life or death for me. 

As of today, March 15, 2020, there are 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Oregon and 4 presumptive cases in Deschutes County, OR where I now reside and it's only continuing to multiply. 

The CDC recommends that those who are high-risk stay home as often as possible and work from home if able. A handful of businesses are closing their doors until the end of the month in order to "force" people to stay home and self-quarantine to protect themselves / the general population so we can slow down and hopefully stop the spread of this virus as quickly and effectively as possible.

Unfortunately, Sam and I's jobs are still continuing all business until notified to do otherwise. Though our workplaces are taking precautions like extra sanitizing and requiring employees to stay home when sick,  this isn't enough to protect someone as vulnerable as I am from this virus. Our jobs don't offer paid sick time nor allow the ability to work remotely. The COVID-19 virus can be active in a person for up to two weeks before that person begins to experience symptoms; this means that there is a high chance that there are people carrying this disease around, exposing others to it, working along side others, without even knowing they're contagious. 

For someone with a life-threatening disease and being considered a high-risk patient, this is terrifying. 

Through lots of prayer, conversation and tears, Sam and I have decided it is best I don't leave our home or continue work during this time in order to best protect myself. We think it's best that I continue to self-quarantine until authority announces otherwise. 

We also believe it's best that Sam takes time off of work to self-quarantine as well in order to prevent further exposure to this virus to best protect my health. 

This is hard. This is scary. This is new. We just know that this virus isn't something we have the freedom to take lightly right now and my health and protection is our first priority.

We didn't think we'd ever get to a place like this but desperate times call for desperate measures. If you're able, we're asking for your help. We are unable to pay our rent + our bills + food without a paycheck. Even if Sam continued to work during this time, he is currently working a minimum wage job and it is not enough to even cover one month's rent. 

This amount we're asking is enough to cover about month’s of paid work between Sam and I. We need $1,500 by April 1st in order to stay in our apartment. 

We understand that we are not the only one's in this type of situation right now and there are so many people paralyzed by fear during this time, so we are asking you to prayerfully consider giving. Anything helps. In advance, we are so thankful for you. and if anything at all, please be praying for us and for the rest of the vulnerable population.

With love + thankfulness, 
Sam and Julie Lawrence