A Healing Space for Rick and Shelli

Story

Sometimes, life places unimaginable burdens on those we care about. Over the past five years, Rick and Shelli have faced more hardship than most of us can bear. The tragic loss of their son Blake, the recent passing of Shelli's mother, and now Rick's serious health challenges, including two major surgeries, have tested their resilience in ways that words can barely encompass. Amid these trials, last August brought a new chapter for them. They made a bold move, selling their house in Eugene and purchasing a fixer-upper in Pleasant Hill, right across from the high school. For a time, their energy and optimism carried them as they worked hard to make this house their home, completing numerous improvements. But in October, Rick's health took a serious turn. Persistent foot pain became severe leg pain, leading to two surgeries to address blood clots in his legs. Around the same time, a cardiologist discovered that Rick had suffered a heart attack, likely around the time of Blake's passing. Now, his focus must shift to recovering, leaving their plans for the house and property on hold. A question asked by many people is, "How can we help?" A DECK FOR SHELLI AND RICK When I last visited their new home, I saw their backyard and thought to myself how much they could benefit from a simple deck - a peaceful haven where they can rest, relax, and heal during the summer months. It struck me that this is something their community of friends might come together to create, offering not just a physical structure but a symbol of love, encouragement, and support. Preliminary estimates suggest that a 24 x 10 deck could be built for approximately $5,000. With a simple, collective effort, we could make this vision a reality. If you've been wondering how you can help, here is a meaningful way. Your generosity could provide Rick and Shelli with a place of respite and remind them they are not facing these challenges alone. If this touches your heart, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe account set up for this project. Together, we can create something tangible to show our support during this difficult time. Every donation, no matter the size, moves us closer to building a deck where Rick and Shelli can find some much-needed peace and healing. Thank you for your kindness and for keeping them in your thoughts. Let's show them the love of the community that surrounds them.