Hi everyone, I’m Kate’s friend and neighbor, and I’m sharing this on her behalf because she would never ask for help herself. She and her 11-year-old son, Jack, are going through an incredibly tough time right now, and they could use some support from the people who care about them.

With the holidays here, this has all felt even heavier for them, and I’m hoping we can help give them a little stability and kindness during a season that’s supposed to feel comforting.

For the last several years, Kate’s family has been living on SSDI (disability benefits) due to serious health issues affecting both her and her husband. Recently, things changed very suddenly at home. I won’t share private details, but it led to an immediate separation and the start of a divorce. Her husband is now living out of state, and what started as an agreed-upon plan has become more complicated.

Kate and Jack are still in their home of 21 years. She is working around the clock to clean it out and prepare it for sale, but until that happens, she is responsible for a mortgage and utilities that were already difficult to manage even before their income changed. When the divorce is final, her income will drop to under $2,000 a month, which is not enough for rent and basic expenses for her and Jack.

On top of all of this, Kate is dealing with her own health challenges. She is waiting for a liver transplant and has already gone through cancer treatment with chemo, radiation, and major surgeries. She plans to find part-time work from home when she is medically able, but right now she cannot keep up with everything on her own.

This fundraiser is to help Kate and Jack get through the next year. The goal is to give them breathing room while the house sells, help them find a stable place to live, and make sure Jack has consistency during a time when he really needs it.

Donations will help with:

• Housing costs until the home sells

• Utilities

• Basic living expenses for Kate and Jack

• A small cushion while she looks for safe, flexible remote work

Jack is only 11 and has been through more change than any child should have to face. Supporting Kate right now helps her keep him feeling safe, happy and focused on being a kid.

If you can donate, share, or send a kind note, it would mean so much. Thank you for caring about this family and helping them find their footing again.