Support Sheila and James After Tragic Loss

Six years ago, my brother John Carter was diagnosed with heart failure, likely from a cold virus attacking his heart and causing cardiomyopathy. One of those unlucky diagnoses that are so hard to comprehend. While we thought we might lose him then at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre’s critical care unit, he made a remarkable comeback and gave us six more years of his thoughtful, creative, and at times very humorous presence. These years have had many ups and downs and yet, despite his immense health burdens, John was grateful for what he had and remained dedicated to his family, his church community, and his many writing projects. Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, he passed away on Wednesday January 22nd.

I am initiating this fundraiser to support my brother’s ceaselessly dedicated wife, Sheila, and their beautiful nine-year-old son James. Sheila has been by my brother’s side through all the ups and downs, both of this long illness and the trials and tribulations that came beforehand. I could not have dreamed up a better partner for my brother. I am so grateful that she came into our lives thirty-five years ago (when Sheila and I first became friends in our grade 2 class with Mrs. Tobias!)

In the latter years of John’s life, he was unable to work and similarly unable to acquire life insurance due to his health condition. Sheila has been working as a supply teacher to have the flexibility to support John’s medical needs, however this has also meant a lack of benefits and financial stability. John and Sheila have always lived very humbly and have never asked for help. But now, in this moment of grief, many people have asked me what they can do to help. This is something simple that, collectively, could make a big difference for Sheila and for James as they navigate this challenging time.

My brother wanted a very modest and economical funeral. But even these costs have already surpassed $10,000. I would also love for Sheila to be able to take the time she needs to grieve and be with James before having to return to substitute teaching. Had she had a long-term position, she would have been granted a paid leave, but this is a privilege she does not presently have.

Our family and Sheila’s church community will also be contributing funds to support Sheila and James outside of this fundraiser. Any collective funds that exceed remaining funeral expenses will support Sheila and James in the coming weeks so that she can focus on what is important, and, beyond this, go into a trust for James’s future.

Thank you for considering helping Sheila and James at this time. And feel free to share this with anyone who might want to participate.

Here is a link to John’s obituary:

https://www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com/obituary/John-Nicholas-Carter

With warmest wishes of thanks,

Christine