Urgent Help Needed for Marine Family Facing Black Mold Disaster

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

I am reaching out to you with an urgent plea for help on behalf of my son Jakob, his wife Makayla, and their precious daughter, Brantley Mae. This young family is facing a dire situation due to a severe black mold infestation in their home, and they need any help and support to overcome this crisis.

About the Family:

My son, Jakob, is a dedicated Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. Since July 2019, he has been serving honorably on active duty, with assignments that have taken him from the East Coast to the West Coast, Japan, and various stations overseas. His unwavering commitment to our country is truly admirable.

Jakob's wife, Makayla, is a loving and supportive partner, standing by his side no matter where duty calls him. Together, they have done an amazing job turning a house into a home, filled with love and warmth. Their beautiful daughter, Brantley Mae, has just celebrated her 2nd birthday, bringing joy and laughter into their lives.

This young family embodies resilience and dedication, both in service to our country and in their personal lives. They deserve all the support we can offer as they navigate this challenging time.

Insurance Challenges:

In a shocking display of corporate indifference, Erie Insurance has turned its back on my son and his family, refusing to cover the damages caused by the black mold infestation. They hide behind loopholes and exclusions, leaving a young family to fend for themselves in a time of crisis.

As a first-time homeowner, you trust that insurance will protect your home and, most importantly, your family. But Erie Insurance has shattered that trust, revealing the harsh reality behind their hundreds of pages of policy documents. These documents, filled with legal jargon, are designed to protect the company, not the policyholder.

When my son reached out for help, Erie Insurance sent a local agent to point out the loopholes in their coverage. They coldly agreed to cover only the damage caused by the water leaking from the A/C unit, for an amount less than the deductible, making it pointless to file a claim. They had the audacity to blame my son for not discovering the unseen leak hidden behind an interior closet wall that seeped into a crawl space, labeling it as negligence on his part. Their response? "Your policy does not cover mold. Sorry, but this is on you now."

This callous attitude has left my son and his family with the overwhelming financial burden of having to rip their house down to the studs on their own. How can Erie Insurance expect him to shoulder this burden alone, especially while serving our country?

Erie Insurance's slogan is "Above all in sERvIcE," with the letters for "ERIE" capitalized within the word "service." This is an ironic statement, considering my son and his family are literally living in "sERvIcE" of our country, not just using it as a marketing campaign.

Why We Need Your Help:

This Marine, along with his family and friends, is doing everything possible to tackle this crisis. However, the financial burden is overwhelming, especially now that Erie Insurance has abandoned them to deal with the mold issue on their own. The costs are staggering, encompassing demolition, remediation, repair, and replacement of items and belongings, as well as medical bills and concerns associated with black mold. The financial strain is beyond their means.

To protect little Brantley Mae from inhaling or ingesting any more of the black mold, she has been staying with us in Ohio for the past week. Although we speak daily via FaceTime with "Momma" and "DaDa," it's clear that she misses them dearly. We also keep in touch with "NaaNaa" and "Grump Grump," Makayla's parents in Texas, who are equally concerned and supportive.

This family is in urgent need of assistance to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their daughter and to restore their home. Your support can make a world of difference in their lives during this challenging time.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Your generous contribution can be a lifeline for this devoted Marine family, helping them navigate the overwhelming challenges they face. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact and provide them with hope and relief during this difficult time.

Your support will go directly towards:

• Professional mold remediation: Ensuring the health and safety of little Brantley Mae and her parents by eliminating the dangerous mold that has invaded their home.

• Repairing and restoring their home: Helping them rebuild a safe and loving environment where they can create cherished memories together.

• Covering medical expenses: Alleviating the financial strain of medical bills related to mold exposure, allowing them to focus on healing and recovery.

By extending your kindness and generosity, you are not only helping them recover from this disaster but also showing them that they are not alone. Together, we can offer them the strength and support they need to overcome this crisis and rebuild their lives.

A Message from the Heart:

As a parent and grandparent, witnessing my son and his family endure such hardship is incredibly painful. Jakob has dedicated his life to serving our country, and Makayla has been his steadfast partner, creating a loving home wherever duty calls. Their resilience and strength are truly inspiring, yet even the strongest among us need support during times of crisis.

Little Brantley Mae, with her infectious laughter and bright spirit, deserves a safe and healthy environment to grow and thrive. It breaks my heart to see her separated from her parents, longing for their comforting presence. This family, who has given so much to our nation, now needs our help to overcome the challenges they face.

I am reaching out to you, hoping that your compassion and generosity can provide them with the relief they desperately need. Your support will not only help them rebuild their home but also restore their faith in the kindness of others. Together, we can show them that they are not alone and that their sacrifices are appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for considering a donation. Your kindness means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for any assistance you can offer.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bryan & Maria Hughes