Keep Kathleen Safe: Hope for Abused Elder

It has been more than a year since the harrowing nightmare of the Chandler "House of Horrors" came to an end.

My sister endured that nightmare in silence for two years, with no one truly aware of the horrors unfolding behind closed doors. When the police and Adult Protective Services arrived in September of last year, they discovered a 79-year-old woman who had been stripped of everything—her money, her health, and her sense of self-worth.

That way of life came to an end that night, thanks to the compassionate intervention of remarkable individuals from several organizations.

Over the following months, APS found individuals committed to helping her rebuild her life, offering her the essentials of a normal existence—nourishing food, safe shelter, and the comfort of a proper bed to sleep on.

Whenever I tried to express my gratitude, they were all humble, and the response was the same: You’re welcome. It’s my job.

This message is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, meant to honor them and the people kind enough to donate to this GoFundMe; and recognize their exceptional empathy, care, and dedication.

It's been almost a year since Kathleen was rescued by APS from the House of Horrors in Chandler AZ. She is doing so well in large part to your generous donations. Thank you all for your generosity!

I am the sister of Kathleen McLaughlin who is the elderly mother of April McLaughlin who was living in that House of Horrors in Chandler, Arizona for over two years. Fortunately Chandler Police were able to get a warrant to get Kathleen out of there, and Adult Protective Services found her a safe house where she has protection from an abusive daughter. Kathleen was not involved in the animal abuse, she was abused like an animal. Kathleen said to me recently, "I have a daughter, but she's not April."

While in the Chandler house she slept on a couch in the living room because the dogs and their cages took up the two bedrooms. The toilet was broken and never fixed because April McLaughlin didn't want anyone in the house to see the horrible conditions that the dogs were in. We need to get Kathleen medical care, counseling and help with continuing to stay in the safe house where she is now, her future depends on this. Her daughter is still taking her social security checks, which is another issue we need to rectify. 

Any donation is appreciated. Thank you.