Jo Ann's Medical Condition

I came to Florida to visit my family and immediately noticed that Mom wasn't breathing normally. She's 82 and has always been a healthy woman, so I knew something was wrong. I took her to the ER the following day, and we've been dealing with a frightening medical situation ever since.

Doctors found fluid around her left lung and drained two liters. Just a few days later, another two liters had accumulated. She now has a catheter in her lung that we manage at home to drain the fluid. They have also found nodules in both lungs and a large mass in her left lung. Because Mom had melanoma removed from her face four years ago, there is serious concern that the cancer may have returned and spread. We're still waiting for definitive answers and a treatment plan.

We've had hospital stays, procedures, complications, and some terrifying moments. One night, Mom's oxygen dropped so low while I was checking on her that my own body physically reacted, I had never seen her this way. I cried myself to sleep and continued checking on her throughout the night. My sister and I have been taking shifts to make sure Mom has someone with her, helping with appointments, communicating with doctors, and supporting Dad through all of this.

We're taking things one day at a time and holding on to hope while we wait for answers.

The urgent need for heating and air-conditioning

Dad is 80 years old, and more than 40 years ago, he built our family home himself. The original heating and air-conditioning system has been there since the house was built. Dad has spent years trying to keep it running, but he can no longer manage the repairs himself.

We've had people replace parts and temporarily get it working, but it keeps breaking down. Recently, the house reached 84 degrees with 75% humidity. On another day, it was 80 degrees with 79% humidity. The system freezes up and stops working, and these repeated temporary fixes are no longer enough.

When we brought Mom home from the hospital, she returned to a house without reliable air-conditioning. Keeping her comfortable is especially important while she's dealing with these health issues. We also need reliable heat when winter arrives, and the Florida weather brings extreme humidity year round so a new AC/Heat Unit is needed.

We need approximately $10,000 for a new heating and air-conditioning system. Their congregation has generously offered to install the new unit, but we still need to raise the money to purchase it.

How your support will help

Donations will help us cover the cost of a new heating and air-conditioning system for my parents' home, along with essential expenses as our family navigates Mom's medical crisis. Being here to care for Mom, help with appointments, and support both of my parents has meant stepping away from my work at times. The unexpected costs of gas, food, travel, and other necessities are adding up as well.

We're doing everything we can to get through this difficult time while making sure Mom receives the care she needs and Dad has support at home.

Our family is incredibly grateful for the love, prayers, meals, and kindness people have already shown us. If you're able to donate, any amount will make a difference. If you can't donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean so much to us, too.

Thank you for helping our family through this challenging time and for keeping Mom in your thoughts and prayers