Nancy Ashton

From Nancy: The month of August was hot and busy. Good news- There is a new blue van with the capacity to move the trailer Sam and Sheryl again live in. Replacing electronics and communication items this last month was high priority. Second priority was creating again a comfortable replacement home in the small trailer. Unfortunantly much of the trailer's daily usable and functional elements had been moved into the cottage or van and are needed again to set up housekeeping. The original van that burned was equiped for traveling and allowed Sam and Sheryl to avoid the expensive cost of hotels and restaurants along the way. Eventually I hope they will be able to concentrate on a few of the "comfortable stuff " that makes a home a home again. To date most all insurance payout has been received. I was told the plan of the day is "Buy it when we need it" Jack and I recently discovered the option for monthly donations. Our donors of the "first round" were loving, plentiful and generous. If you're the kind of person that wants to continue supporting Sam and Sheryl, please consider a new donation or a monthly donation. Also share the gofundme link as often as possible, to as many compassionate people you know. We've already experienced a gift from a total stranger- a friend of a friend. Thanks to our team.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in broad daylight, a fast-moving fire burned Sam and Sheryl’s recently finished small cottage to the ground. The cottage was their retirement home, built after they moved to California three years ago to be near her son’s family and spend time with their only grandchild, Isla. The building of the cottage was funded by the sale of their previous home in Washington state. Along with the home, they lost a storage area filled with belongings that were slowly being merged into their new house to make it a home. At this point, Sam and Sheryl are still in shock. Many hours of planning the physical attributes of their new home, combined with their hands-on labor, had occupied their days before the fire. There are surely still tears to be shed as they process this loss. Donations will immediately be available to replace items needed for day-to-day existence. Temporary housing and the replacement of items necessary to create a comfortable living space for this precious couple may be top on the list today, but as the shock wears off, a new vision will begin to grow. Rebuilding with no insurance seems an impossible obstacle, but your support can help them find hope and stability. Sam and Sheryl have friends and relatives across our country. They are not likely to ask for help. I know this fire is going to steal their energy and limit any immediate ambition. Donations will speak volumes of your desire to support Sam and Sheryl through this unexpected disaster, but a second way to support them is to share this fundraiser with your friends and family. A natural hazard like a fast-moving wildfire needs more than our intimate friends to stand with us. Share the given link to share Sam and Sheryl's story.

Parker Joy is a bright and loving 15-month-old who was recently diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. PJ as she is known by family and friends is facing Pulmonary Stenosis. Her parents, Michelle and David, live in Rawlins, Wyoming, where specialized medical care is generally not available. This diagnosis has brought many challenges and uncertainties for their family, especially since Parker’s father, David, had open heart surgery at age 3. To get Parker the care she needs, the family must travel 367 miles one way to Denver, Colorado, for specialized treatment. The costs of travel, a week-long hotel stay, and food quickly add up, putting a significant financial strain on Michelle and David. With this latest diagnosis, there may be future treatments and surgeries ahead for this sweet little girl, making ongoing support even more important. Your generosity can help ease the burden on Parker’s family and ensure she receives the best possible care. Any support you can give—whether through donations or by sharing this fundraiser—means the world to Michelle, David, and especially Parker. Thank you for being part of their journey and for helping this young family during such a difficult time.