Who is the "Renee" in YOUR Life?

WE NEED YOUR URGENT HELP FOR OUR RENEE! If you know Renee Shook, you likely have been a recipient of her kindness and generosity on more than one occasion. On Monday - Renee’s ongoing back issues led her to the ER in immense pain. She was sent via ambulance to IMC for emergency back surgery to avoid paralysis. She remains inpatient there now and friends are caring for her son, Seth. The surgery went well but she has a long recovery and major bills ahead of her. We would like to take this opportunity to "GIVE BACK TO THE GIVER".

Renee has always had a hard time asking for help for herself - but we would like to show her how the universe does "see" her needs too. Renee has had many medical struggles with her back over the years, and she cannot take-off work as often as needed because she is the sole provider to her son. The issues have worsened in the last year and her pain had become near-intolerable. It has kept her from working as often as she needs to. It has also kept her from being able to function normally. It has taken so much of "her" from her. Still, while she knows her back problems have been serious for some time, she has put-off treatment because of missed work, costs of surgery, and no one to care for her son if she is down recovering. Her son, Seth’s, needs have always willingly come first.

This emergency surgery now leaves Renee with HOPE for feeling better in the future but also facing large, unexpected, medical bills, medication costs, more missed work, backed-up bills and more. She also has a mandatory, second surgery pending in the near-future. As her friends, we are joining together to help where we can, but it's not enough.

Having very little reserve herself, Renee is the FIRST person at our workplace to share whatever she has. She would give you her shoes off her feet if she thought you needed them! Renee is an amazing cook and while she is often stretching that monthly-budget to feed a teenage boy, she will cook an entire meal and bring in five extra servings just to "surprise" or "share" with five co-workers. If she knows you are sick, moving, or in need - she wants to cook you food, give you encouragement, and find what you need! One time at work she said “I have something for you.” She knew I was down the day before and brought me something out of her home. She explained “I keep this quote on my wall, but I took it down to give to you because I know you are struggling and I think it might help you to look at it every day too.”

Even on the many, late phone calls we have had sharing discouragement and worry, Renee always ends the call with positive statements like "It will be our turn not to struggle soon!" "One day - when I have a ton of money, I'm buying us all houses, so we don't have to struggle anymore!" Or "Don't you worry, I won't forget you when it's our time to succeed!” She doesn't just want better for herself, but anyone who is struggling. She would never ask for this for herself.

We understand it is a hard time for everyone with it being right after the holidays, but if you possibly have something you can put in this fund, there is no one more deserving than Renee. If you do not have money to give, please send a note of encouragement here and we will make sure she gets it!

If you would like to give a different way....I asked Renee tonight if people wanted to donate, would she be okay with them sending it to her Venmo. She advised that she's wearing a very heavy duty neck brace for 6 to 8 weeks and shouldn't be flinching a lot to look at multiple notifications or alerts on her phone. For that reason she asked that you send it to my Venmo @Melanie-Perschon and we will combine it and make sure it gets to her with your name. Please put in the subject line of your Venmo "Renee". Every penny gathered will be given to Renee directly.

Thank you, in advance, for your help! Who is the "Renee" in your life? The one who gives and gives with no expectation of return? We'd love to hear about it!

#WhoisYourRenee