The Riddle Family

Dear Friends and Family,

We write today to ask you to lend your generosity in support of our dear friends Lauren and Joe and their three children, Uzi, Cruz and Goldie. For the last 12 years, Lauren has been facing a challenging health battle with brain tumors, and this battle has recently intensified. Lauren had an initial surgery after the first tumor was discovered and after giving birth to Uzi 12 years ago, and while this surgery was to remove the tumor, it did not get all of it. Since that surgery, she has done several rounds of chemo as well as proton therapy radiation to try and manage tumor growth.

Several months ago, Lauren started experiencing new physical symptoms that led to the discovery of another tumor that is growing aggressively. These symptoms have brought many challenges physically, with limited use of her right side and dependence on constant care.

Facing this with grace and resolution, Lauren and Joe have remained steadfast in a situation that most of us could barely even fathom. Thankfully, they are facing this mountain with lots of faith! Right now, there are many logistical challenges as well as financial and emotional ones. There are projects that need to be done to make the house more comfortable and accessible for Lauren, and medical bills will be a challenge well into the future. There are also daily life challenges of childcare and bills. Understandably, they have been a one-income family for several years now. Lauren should be the recipient of disability pay, but due to a clerical mix-up and normal delays, any government assistance is still months away.

Joe and Lauren have been steady and committed in their church and community, and it would be great if we could all join in and show them how much they are loved and supported with a huge outpouring of financial support! This will allow Joe to focus on caring for Lauren and the kids’ needs without the heavy burden of financial stress. The support they have received already has been such a gift to them, and it is deeply appreciated. We also know many more friends and family want this opportunity to help.

Lastly, we ask that you continue to lift their family in prayer. Pray for Lauren’s healing. Pray for peace. Pray for comfort. Pray for Joe and the kids as they face this difficult situation as a family.

With Love,

Emily and Nicole