Hi everyone,

I need help. The unexpected passing of my long term partner, Caleb, has put me in some serious financial hardship.

For the past 24 years, Caleb has been in a wheelchair due to a life long battle with spina bifida. He was a very active and strong man who got a lot done eventhough he was confined to a wheelchair. But, as time passed and he got older he started needing more and more help. Over the past year, his health decreased and he needed a caregiver to help with all his daily activities. Finding the right caregiver that was able to help Caleb was difficult so I lessened my hours at my restaurant job and became his personal caregiver. I got paid through the state to help him since he was low income and on SSI.

Eventhough Caleb's health decreased and he needed a caregiver, no one expected him to go so soon. It was such a big horrible shock to me and everyone, I'm still having a hard time with it all. And now that Caleb suddenly passed on, my job taking care of him ended and obviously so did his monthly SSI check. So, my monthly household income has now been instantly decreased by thousands and since I live paycheck to paycheck, this has put me in some instant financial hardship. Luckily, my restaurant job will increase my hours in the near future and I'm planning on moving my 85 year old mother into my house so she can help me with my mortgage and I can help her with whatever she needs. I just need some help until that happens.

I am asking for donations to help me with:

Funeral home expenses - This bill was bigger than expected, first the shock of Caleb dying then the shock of the funeral home bill. Death is expensive.

Past, current and near future bills - I have a mortgage, everyday bills and credit card/loan debt that I need help with until my paycheck increases and my mom moves in. I really would like to prevent my utilities from getting shut off and my debt from going into defaut.

Home improvements for safety - My 85 year old mother has already broken one hip and she has a high fall risk. I need to renovate a bedroom and bathroom with safety precautions for elderly people, including a new inexpensive floor.

Finally, I'd really love a little help creating a celebration of life gathering for Caleb's friends and family. He had so many people who cared about him and would like to gather together, share stories and say good bye.

Thank you all for whatever help you can give me, I really appreciate it. Life is quite difficult at the moment but with the help and support of my community, I know I can make it better.

Thank you again so much.

Love and light to you all,

Stephanie Barbuto