My name is Lori Vest, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my family—my husband David, our son Daniel, and myself. Over the past few years, we’ve faced a series of challenges that have left us struggling to keep up, despite doing everything we can to stay afloat. David suffered a major heart attack and now lives with heart failure, while I am undergoing ongoing treatment for anal cancer. Our son Daniel, who has autism, is a bright spot in our lives and keeps us going, but his needs add to our daily responsibilities.

We’ve always worked hard to pay our bills and support each other, but the combination of medical emergencies, rising utility costs, and the loss of my health insurance has pushed us to the edge. We’ve replaced a broken heat pump, managed car repairs, and faced mounting electric bills, all while trying to keep up with medical expenses and insurance premiums. I recently had to cancel important scans and go without my usual medicine because I lost my insurance, and I worry about what the future holds until I can get Medicare next year.

As a family, we’ve always believed in paying it forward. We help friends and neighbors whenever we can—offering rides to doctor’s appointments, hosting family dinners, and being there for anyone who needs us. Now, we’re asking for help so we can catch up on utility bills and secure insurance coverage, especially as we head into another winter. Your support will help us get back on our feet and continue to care for each other and our community. Thank you for reading and for any help you can give.