Support MJ's Recovery & Her Family's Stability

It is with heavy hearts they are sharing this humbling and devastating situation they’ve come to find themselves in.

An unfortunate spiral of events began in November 2023 just before the holidays and a family vacation. MJ was laid off from her place of work, along with 15% of their remote employees. She completed various jobs when available to make ends meet. Including pawning anything of value and holding a part-time serving position 45 min away.

Mortgage payments increased along with crippling property taxes, Thanksgiving, her youngest’s birthday, Christmas, 2 more birthdays, and childcare expenses were rapidly accumulating. Dropping childcare wasn’t an option due do the high demand for available spots, and not having family to assist with childcare.

Their savings which had been so carefully accumulated were eaten up incredibly, unbelievably fast. So in January 2024, when a position presented itself with a lower salary & less benefits, it was graciously accepted. Unfortunately, this dragged out any possible hope of financial recovery on the horizon.

October 2024, Memaw suffered a brain injury requiring surgery and an extended hospital stay. This meant requesting leave from work to be a caregiver for 2-3 weeks. Luckily Al was more than willing to pull the weight at home in MJ’s absence. If anything, this family has always been so truly blessed with more love for each other than imaginable.

April 1, 2025, MJ and many other remote employees were laid off for the second time in less than two years. I wish that were an April fools joke.

Last Monday 4/7, paramedics rushed MJ to the hospital for emergency exploratory resection surgery to repair an intussusception. This is when a portion of intestines folds in on itself like a telescope, causing an obstruction. It is believed this was a complication following a prophylactic total gastrectomy performed in 2014. MJ’s TG was required due to a rare CDH1 gene mutation which had an 85% chance of claiming her life by the age of 52 years old from stomach cancer, or breast cancer which later resulted in her double mastectomy in 2015 and reconstruction in 2016. 

Had any of these diagnosis’s not been identified when they were, they would’ve been fatal. The most recent prognosis, only two weeks before her 36th birthday.

MJ spent the next week recovering from surgery inpatient at Parrish Medical. Restricted from food/drink, unable to walk without aid, lift, even speaking required more energy than she possessed. Pneumonia became a risk since breathing, coughing, sitting up, even sneezing risked tearing a suture.

During this time, Al never ventured more than an arms reach away from MJ. He was there when her face turned white/grey and she was retching from the pain. Although heartwarming, neither MJ or Al have any relatives to help in times of need. Luckily Lena & Barbie both stepped in to lend a hand with keeping an eye on the kids & rides to school the first couple days. Thank you both for always being there when we truly need friends & family’s support.

There were now more than a few financial obstacles becoming larger by the day. During MJ’s hospital stay, the family vehicle was repossessed. Soon following her regaining more consciousness, she started applying for loans and seeking refinance options, but to no avail.

Our goal has been set based several factors; as of 4/14/25 MidFlorida Credit Union reported a minimum payment of $3,000 must be received to place the car back in the family’s possession and cancel it’s sale to the lot/auction. To regain ownership outright is $11,000 and unfortunately there are zero payment plans available. Charges will increase daily based on taxes, late fees (+$12/day) and lot fees(+$20/day). Monthly mortgage payments of $1,600 are to be received be Wells Fargo. Childcare required for three children is $1,200/month.

Our goal is to provide relieve for at least two months ideally in order to provide adequate relief to pursue permanent employment, schedule follow up appointments as well as allow for MJ’s 6-9 week surgical recovery time according to her surgeon Dr. Pecoraro.

For the first time ever, the focus has had to shift prioritizing MJ’s physical recovery and health first and foremost literally because her life now depends on it. Only after she recovers can she resume taking care of everyone and everything else, like she does.

This family is grappling with facing emotional and physical pain, as well as medical expenses toppling over in their already immediate and pressing financial burdens. For this reason, we are coming together as a community to provide relief during this incredibly difficult time.

If you know this family, you know there isn’t a soul they wouldn’t help if the situation were reversed. Many of you have even been the recipients to that testament or have beared witness to their gratitude and love on several occasions.

If you can, please consider helping

Even if you can’t, please share

To those who simply do not have the means, we understand times are hard for everyone. You are ALL appreciated. Thank you again.