Dear friends and family,

We are reaching out to ask for support for Ken and Annie, who are facing an incredibly difficult and unexpected health crisis and now need financial help as they focus on Ken’s care.

Over the past year, Ken has been living with severe and worsening back pain, while doctors worked to understand what was causing it. After navigating multiple health care systems and countless appointments, the most recent assessment points to stage 4 melanoma, though additional tests are still underway to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.

During this long and exhausting period of uncertainty, Ken has been in significant, often unbearable pain, relying on strong medication and, at times, extended hospital stays just to manage it. This week, he began radiation therapy in the hope that it will help bring some relief while doctors work to pinpoint the cancer’s origin.

Throughout all of this, Annie has been by Ken's side around the clock. Between hospital visits, pain management, and daily care needs, she is unable to work. They have been relying on savings to cover living expenses, medical costs, and the many out-of-pocket expenses that come with serious illness.

In addition, over the past five years, as most of you know, Ken and Annie have lovingly cared for their aging parents, one after the other. It has been a long stretch of responsibility and devotion, now followed by this devastating health crisis.

They are deeply grateful for the neighbors, family, and friends who have already stepped up with meals, check-ins, and practical help over the past few months. That support has meant the world. At this point, they (albeit reluctantly) need financial support to help ease the strain as they focus on Ken’s care and treatment.

We all know and love Ken and Annie for their genuine care for others, whether through Ken’s decades of service at West Contra Costa Unified or through Annie’s work as a daycare provider and wellness coach. They have both been part of our lives at moments when we needed support in one way or another, and have given so much to their community. Now, we have the chance to show up for them.

Funds raised through this page will help with:

If you are able to contribute, any amount is deeply appreciated. If you’re not able to give, sharing this page and keeping Ken and Annie in your thoughts also means so much.

Thank you for being part of their village, and for helping carry them through this moment with compassion and care.