Hello, my name is Maxine Billings! I've created this fundraiser for my dear, sweet friends Linda Garrett-Hightower & her daughter Rhea Louise Hightower. Linda and Rhea are selfless, God-fearing women who inspire so many people. Despite Linda's serious health issues and Rhea's mental health issues, they both have as full a share as they can in serving their community in their monthly ministerial work. In addition, Linda also attends the University of West Georgia where she has chosen the goal of becoming an attorney so that she can fulfill one of her heart's desires of advocating for the underserved.

Linda and Rhea's home is in extreme need of repair. They have finally been blessed with someone who is willing to work with them to help them get this work accomplished. However, even though they have managed to save some money to help with the renovations, they are still extremely low in funds and need all the help they can get in order to get their home back to a safe condition for living for both of them, but especially for Linda since its condition is not good for her health.

We are praying that we reach our goal. Donations will help them pay for necessary supplies and labor for repairing their home. If any funds remain afterward, they will also go to them to help them with other basic needs such as food, clothing and utilities. Any amount that you are able to give will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so very much from the depths of our hearts!

Maxine

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A LETTER FROM LINDA

My name is Linda Sue Garrett-Hightower. I am a resident of Haralson County for 61 years born in Bremen, Georgia Hospital on October 30, 1963. This is the hardest question to ask total strangers to step out on faith for myself and my daughter Rhea. To set up a GoFundMe page is truly humbling. My back is against the wall with serious health issues such as lung cancer (and I never smoked a day in my life), osteoporosis, osteopenia and fibromyalgia. I am also a survivor of breast cancer, cervical cancer and the most advanced stage of lung cancer. I will walk this journey with Jehovah God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because I am happy. Rhea is always encouraging me to be happy, and no matter what we face forward, we do so with Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ. Our lives have been a series of spiritual tests to which the glory of enduring them goes to our Heavenly Father and his Son.

Both of us are in individual and family counseling and have been for more than 20 years in an effort to work through the fact that Rhea has not low but no self-esteem. She is a beautiful 33-year-old woman who is trapped by a shattered past. However, Jehovah God heard our cries and ended the madness.

We would like the opportunity to restore our home with new memories and a stable foundation that will last for many years. Right now, in addition to the interior of our home needing major repairs, the foundation also needs to be rebuilt.

We desperately need help from our community because we both live on SSI disability, and my health and strength continue to fade while my personal view remains positive. We simply do not have the means to complete this journey alone. Would you please take into consideration the condition of our home and help us to restore it before my journey is complete?

We embrace each day with renewed vitality and vigor. Even though we live in an unsafe environment, our bond of strong love for each other and our own community moves us to seek assistance while I can. Again, it is not easy to plead with total strangers for financial assistance, and I am truly humbled. The stability of having a safe home will bring me so much comfort when I close my eyes in sleep. Thank you so very much!

Sincerely,

Linda

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A NOTE FROM RHEA

My name is Rhea Louise Hightower. I am 33 years old. I suffer from mental health issues, bipolar disorder and PTSD. My momma and I are each other's caregivers. Being an orphan in the emotional sense is very challenging for me to understand. Momma and I are having lifestyle issues and problems and would greatly appreciate your support. Thank you very much!

Love,

Rhea