In Loving Memory of John

This is my husband’s stepdad, John. He’s been sedated and intubated for days now, fighting off severe pneumonia that has taken over both of his lungs.

His wife, Shelena, my mother-in-law, is carrying a weight no one should ever have to bear. She’s watching the love of her life fight for every breath while trying to keep their entire world from falling apart. She hasn’t left his side but her heart is breaking. Her partner, her best friend, is lying in a hospital bed, and she is trying to hold up an entire household by herself.

John’s oxygen is being supported by machines, but his lungs are far more damaged than the doctors initially thought. There’s hope, but there’s also fear. The truth is, none of us know what the next few days will bring.

And while John is in the fight of his life, Shelena is running out of time. John will soon exhaust his paid leave from work, and when that happens, every financial burden will fall directly on her shoulders. Their mortgage, groceries, gas, and especially medical bills..

Shelena would never ask for help on her own. That’s just who she is. Selfless, humble, always taking care of everyone else. She’s the kind of person who quietly shows up for others without ever expecting anything in return. But right now… she needs someone to show up for her.

Even the strongest people need someone to step in sometimes.

We live across the country and feel helpless being so far away. As her children, as people who love her dearly, we are asking you, if you’re in a position to give anything at all, please help lift some of this weight off her shoulders.

She shouldn’t be worrying about bills right now. She should be focused on being there with him.

We should also note that they don’t know we’re doing this! We want to help though, and from where we are, this is the best way we know how. All we want is to ease a little bit of the burden they’re carrying, so they can focus on what matters most right now.

Even if all you can do is share this, it means everything. Every donation, every prayer, every share, it all makes a difference.

She is one of the strongest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. I feel so lucky to call her family.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing beside us during this difficult time.

Donations can also be made to the following:

Cashapp: $NW4RM

Venmo: @Reggie-McGinness

Zelle: [phone redacted]