Please help in a time of need

Kim Addiego is organizing this fundraiser.

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I spent my life as a kind, supportive woman who was always on-the-go and a model for “living a healthy lifestyle.” Over 7 years ago, I met my love and life partner, Steven Pernetti. Together we opened Rotisserie Cuisine & Catering, utilizing both of our talents and all my life savings; Steven as Chef and me as a the Coordinator & Event Planner since 2017. Steven, Roxy, our Yorkie and I moved into Steven’s childhood home in Maywood.

Then everything changed.

I was diagnosed with aggressive skin cancer in 2022 with a massive tumor on my thigh. The tumor was surgically removed and following the surgery, I had complications and a severe infection. The treatment left me physically disabled, which also gave me knee, hip & back pain. Now I am not able to walk extended periods without the use of a cane or wheelchair and often in excruciating pain.

While undergoing all of this, I also faced the strains of owning a struggling small business. The food/restaurant industry was severely impacted by the COVID pandemic and Rotisserie Cuisine & Catering faced unprecedented struggles. Steven and I were just barely able to keep the business afloat.

The physical demands of the business became too much for me to manage after my cancer surgery and ongoing physical disability. Luckily, I had my generous, loving life partner Steven who stepped up to be the main operations of the business and became my caretaker.

Then an unimaginable tragedy happened.

In the early morning of Monday April 3rd, 2023, Steven turned to me and said he did not feel good. Within seconds, he was unconscious and I was instructed by the 911 operator to administer CPR to Steven. To my horror, I could not revive him. Steven had an unexpected heart attack and passed away at just 59 years old.

This is when my life forever changed, leaving me heartbroken over the unthinkable death of my love and life partner Steven. Due to his passing, our catering business abruptly shut down and I am now struggling to care for myself & my sick dog Roxy.

In a split second, I lost my life partner, my business, my income, my caregiver, and will now also be losing my home. I have no savings because I put it all into the business and I have limited rights since we were not married and Steven did not have a will.

I will not be able get my life back in order without your help. I do not have any money saved or have any money coming in. I have been seeking employment suitable for my capabilities and soon will lose my home and must move. Could you imagine all this happening? It feels like a nightmare I cannot get out of. So many things go through my mind and I want to be able to grieve… and the scary and sad part is, if we were married, I would not be soon facing eviction immediately after his passing, when I have so much to already process and figure out.

How the funds will be used: To pay for medical & living expenses, moving cost, rent, rent deposit & food.

How you can help: There are many ways you can help. A financial donation of any amount would be appreciated, sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family, or simply offering your love and support to me through this trying time.