Our dear friend, Susan Votaw, has faced unimaginable challenges as a single mother to four daughters, including her beloved Gracie. Gracie was born with Down Syndrome and endured many health complications throughout her life, but if you ever are fortunate enough to spend time with someone who has Downs then you'll know, they are angels on Earth. She had an amazing sense of humor and filled their home with joy for 25 years. Gracie’s passing last month has left a deep void in Susan’s heart and in the lives of her sisters, and unfortunately has added to the heavy financial burden that has been growing over the years. Susan deserves time to heal without the constant worry of how she’ll pay her bills or keep a roof over her head.

Susan has spent decades sacrificing her own needs and wants to care for Gracie and her 3 sisters, often going without and falling into debt to make sure her daughters had everything they needed. Now, as she grieves the loss of her daughter, she is struggling to cover basic living expenses like food, rent, utilities, and vehicle maintenance. The loss of Gracie also means the loss of disability and Social Security income that helped keep the family afloat. Helping others in need is what binds us all together and this mom needs some help.

Susan made and donated delicious truffles to a Special Needs Prom that Gracie attended for several years. Even during the hardships, she found time to give to others in need, such as donating her time sewing masks during the pandemic for others so they could pay only what they could afford and/or just the shipping. She also created a GoFundMe page with 3 others to help a former Dow Charger receive a proper gravestone, giving his mother the opportunity to choose without worrying about cost. All while sharing her journey with friends on Facebook, which brought smiles to so many.

We are coming together as friends to support Susan in this difficult time. Your donation will help provide her with some peace and stability, allowing her to focus on healing and remembering Gracie’s beautiful spirit. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference for Susan and her family as they navigate this heartbreaking chapter.