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Supporting a Family of Eight Through Tragic Times

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Hello, friends, family, and compassionate strangers:

Our names are Raymond and Shawna, and we are proud parents of six incredible children between our beautiful blended family. Last week on Tuesday we suffered the unimaginable: my daughters, Kori and Aspyn, lost their mother, Alex, completely unexpectedly. Alex was a force of nature—a go-getter who spent her days saving lives of others and her evenings nurturing three beautiful children. Her passing has left our family reeling and two little hearts missing the other half of themselves.

Our New Reality from Shared Parenting to Sole Care

Alex and I always split parenting time, so my home went from four kids full-time to six overnight. Now we are the sole providers and caretakers, grappling with our own grief while guiding all six children through theirs.

-Urgent Move in 30 Days
We need a larger home that can safely and comfortably fit our growing household. Our lease ends soon, and finding and moving into the right place will be both costly and time-sensitive.

- Medical and Grief Support Needs
We were recently in a car accident that totaled our van, which put Shawna out of work with a broken hand, that also put me out of work for a week (i went back sooner than recommended but need the money.) We have multiple upcoming medical appointments. On top of that, Kori and Aspyn require professional grief counseling (which their insurance will cover) but only if I can take time off work to bring them to sessions. Without my full presence, they risk missing critical steps in their healing process. All while unfortunately still having child support taken from my checks for up to 60 days once I provide the death certificate to the child support office.

How Your Donation Will Help

1. Counseling & Emotional Care
Covering transportation costs for grief therapy, children’s support groups, and family counseling so my girls can process their loss in a healthy environment.
2. Lost Wages & Time Off
Allowing me to step away from work temporarily to be fully present—driving to appointments, sitting in sessions, and simply holding my daughters when they need it most.
3. Moving & Housing Costs
Rent deposits, first month’s rent, utility setup, and moving expenses to secure a larger, stable home within the next 30 days.

Why We Need You Now

No family should face the sudden loss of a loving parent alone—especially not 2 young souls that loved their mother so deeply. Every dollar brings us one step closer to stability, healing, and hope. Even a small gift helps: it might cover a counseling session, a week of groceries, or fund the moving truck that carries us toward a fresh start.

From the Bottom of Our Hearts

Thank you for pausing to read our story and for any support you can share—whether that’s a donation, a prayer, or simply spreading our plea across your community. It truly takes a village, and we’re forever grateful for your love, kindness, and generosity during this life-altering season.

With deepest gratitude,
Raymond, Shawna and the Six Little Hearts in Our Home
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    Organizer

    Shawna Berens
    Organizer
    Gresham, OR

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