In December of 2003, at the age of 68, Bert and Marilyn Farwell took in my 4-month-old brother, my 5-year-old brother, and 9-year-old me. They were both retired and living their golden years. My brothers and I were put into the California foster care system, taken out of an unstable home full of drugs, violence, and frequent homelessness.  We were often hungry and would go weeks in the same clothes with no shower. 
When placed in foster care, we were all separated. Up until this, I was often the "mother" to my two baby brothers. I'd cook, clean, get them dressed, steal them food from the grocery store, and hold them at night when they'd cry. After court one day in December, I found out that we'd be going home TOGETHER. I was terrified, these were people I'd only met a handful of times. However, the happiness I had isn't something I can put into words. I was finally with my brothers again. While it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, we were given a home. My mom bought me clothes, made sure I showered and looked like a lady. She encouraged me in all of my performing endeavors, pushed me to be the best I could at everything I did and was always there to brag to her church friends about my involvement in academics and extracurricular activities. My dad took it even one step further and learned to be the scorekeeper for my softball team, as well as a referee for my little brother's soccer league. My dad was always there and always actively apart of anything I pursued. (Admittedly, when I was young this horrified me... I'd often get upset that every time we had a field trip he was there! I couldn't figure out how someone so old could or would want to keep up!) They gave us an incredible childhood, and even more importantly, kept us together and completely transformed our lives. We are the third generation of children they raised. They raised their own biological children, their grandchildren, and then us! (Their Great-Grandkids!) 

Bert and Marilyn Farwell are easily the most selfless people I have ever known in my life. They have spent their entire 56 years of marriage helping others and putting everyone before themselves. They still care for our littlest brother, who is now 17. 2020 has bought challenges for the entire world and this family is no exception. In March Marilyn was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. She underwent surgery at USC Keck Hospital in which a colostomy was placed and the cancer was removed. She also had to have a resection done due to the formation of a fistula. She currently has a home health nurse approved for 2 days a week that are provided by insurance who does daily wound care, weekly PICC line changes, weekly lab draws, monthly catheter changes. She also works twice a week with physical therapy. Due to COVID and a shortage of nurses, the agency doesn't have the resources to provide care for the other 5 days of home care. Therefore, they are responsible for finding a home health nurse out of pocket to help with the other days. Our family has found an available nurse, however, it will be $500 a week. We are estimating the need of this caregiver for at least three months until her follow-ups at KECK are finished and they can live near their other daughter (Michelle) who is currently providing the care this nurse will be filling. They have excellent health insurance through the company my father retired through. Unfortunately, it still leaves them with uncovered expenses. Gurney transportation to Keck hospital for follow-ups ranges $900-$1200 per appointment. Gurney transport to appointments with her cardiologist and primary care provider is $300-$400.  As if this isn't enough, my dad is now starting to develop health problems and is currently suffering a Shingle's flare-up.

This couple has spent their entire lives volunteering at church, the boys and girls club, their local hospital gift shops as well as raising kids that weren't biologically theirs just to provide a fighting chance.  It has become apparent to me that, now they're the ones who need help. I am starting this gofundme in hopes that people will be touched by their story, share it, and give whatever they can to help with the cost of their healthcare.

You can also donate to my venmo @Alora-Jolley

or cash app $AloraJolley

please put "farwell" or "gofundme" or something to let me know what it is for in the subject. 

Every penny counts. Every share counts. Every prayer counts. Please help us get their story out.