My mother, Renee Boutwell, has always been the heart and soul of our family. For over 20 years, she’s run Renee’s Glamours Clean and Golden Paw sitting, working tirelessly through tough times like the recession and the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite being severely hard of hearing since birth, she’s never let anything slow her down. Renee is the kind of person who puts others first, whether it’s caring for her clients, her pets, or me—her neurodivergent daughter. She’s supported me through my own battles with depression and PTSD, always teaching me to focus on solutions and never give up.

Last night, while helping our elderly dog Tinkerbell, Renee slipped and broke her hip. Tinkerbell is 15 years old and going blind in one eye, and my mom’s love for her is just one example of her selflessness. Even when Tinkerbell needed surgery last year, Renee didn’t hesitate to do whatever it took to save her. Now, as my mom faces a long recovery, I’m doing my best to care for her and keep her business running while I wait for a job offer.

I invite anyone who knows what it’s like to have a loved one who’s always been there for you, or whose parents taught them the value of helping others, to join me in supporting Renee. She’s always gone out of her way to help those in need, and right now she needs help herself. The funds from this fundraiser will help cover her bills, food, mortgage, and rehabilitation so she can recover without fear of losing her home. If you’re able to donate, please do. If not, your prayers and well wishes mean the world to us.