As you may know, 2024 was filled with both great and not so great changes for mom and dad. We started off the year on a good note, welcoming the first great-grand baby into the family. Shortly after, they welcomed her and their granddaughter into their home while she managed her heart condition after pregnancy. In March, the first hurdle came when dad had knee replacement surgery and was put on short term disability and out of work for 3 months. In April, I moved out and what should have been an exciting time for all of us, came crashing down when mom was laid off from her job of 29 years just a week later. In October, my sister got married and mom’s stress of making the day perfect was lifted but there was no time to relax going into holiday season. In early December, dad underwent another surgery and was back on short term disability. While we expect dad to return to work in a few weeks, mom has still struggled with her job search. We have all made changes and sacrifices to cut expenses everywhere we possibly can, but unfortunately the financial burden is still a bit too heavy.

My parents have always taken pride in providing for themselves. With six children, they never took government assistance and always worked hard to provide for their family. While my siblings and I wish we could help, we unfortunately don’t have the means to do so. Many people have asked how they can help and this is the only way I know to do that.