Assist Meredith's Children with Burial Costs

Lost and found, then lost forever. My sister-in-law, Meredith Connors, passed away on October 27, 2024, at the home of her three children. Meredith was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She had a mastectomy and chemotherapy to treat the cancer, but, in 2014, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The median life expectancy of a patient with Stage 4 cancer is 3-5 years. Meredith survived 10 years.

Meredith married my brother, Joe, in 2005. Together they have three children. Life was difficult for them because of Meredith's health. Their youngest child, born in 2010, is disabled and this also added to the stress on their marriage. They separated in 2015 and eventually divorced.

After the divorce, Meredith found it difficult to live on her own. She eventually quit having the kids visit her, and we lost touch with her.

In August this year, we learned that Meredith had been hopitialized and that her cancer was terminal. The children were able to visit her in the hospital and it looked like they would finally be able to see her more often. But she left the hospital and we lost contact with her again.

Then, on October 7, with a hurricane headed toward Florida, one of Meredith's friends reached out to us. Meredith had just been released from the hospital again and was very weak. She needed a safe place to stay during the storm.

It was decided that she would stay with us as long as she was willing. She was with us for 20 days. Her children had the priceless opportunity to witness their father caring for their mother. They had the opportunity to see her as a real person and they had the opportunity to say good-bye.

The decision to take Meredith in and care for her in her last days was the only right choice to make. However, the expense of Meredith's care and burial has placed an added financial strain on the family who are already caring for a disabled child. Any contribution will make a difference and is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to contribute financially, your prayers are appreciated during this time of loss.

Thank you,

Karen Marlett