Carolyn Ross Funeral & College Fund
Donation protected
I am writing this for my dear friend and coworker, Carolyn Ross. I have known her for three years, and her story is difficult and painful to read, let alone to survive.
"Funerals & College Fund" is a confusing header for a campaign, but her situation is unique... she has had 4 funerals in one year and is now having difficulties paying expenses, including College Application Fees for her daughter.
Carolyn is a single mom, who had supported her two children in addition to her aging Aunt & Uncle. In the span of one year, she has endured the death of her Aunt, Uncle, Mother and her 19 year old son who was killed by a drunk driver in June 2016. The costs involved have depleted her savings, not to mention been the most difficult thing any parent can endure.
Amongst this sadness there is a beacon of light, her daughter Konner, a senior at Largo High School. She is Valedictorian of her class of 301, member of the National Honor Society, President of the National History Honor Society, Historian of the National Art Honor Society, and member of her school Marching Band.

Konner has an opportunity to attend an Ivy League College but needs financial assistance. Without this fundraiser, Carolyn simply will not have the money to pay for college expenses occurring outside any scholarship money Konner may receive. Living expenses, along with credit card debt from funeral expenses, exceed her earnings.
Thank you for taking the time to read the events in her own words below:
"In 2012 I moved to Florida with my children, Konner and Karch - and started taking care of my Aunt and Uncle in their elder years. My Aunt passed away in July of 2015, at which time, I moved my uncle in with us – as he had Alzheimer’s and needed 24 hour care and supervision. In June of 2016, he declined quickly and passed away within days of being transferred to hospice.
The following day, June 12, 2016 – my 19 year old son – Karch - went to the movies with his best friend, who was trying to cheer him up. On the drive home, their car was struck from behind by a drunk driver in a pickup truck. The driver was traveling 86 MPH in a 30 MPH zone.
The force of the impact caused my son to hit his head so hard that his brain herniated down onto his spine, and he was brain dead within 10 minutes.
The police came to my home and told me I must get to the hospital right away. When I arrived, Karch was on life support. The doctors declared his death at 7:30 am Sunday morning. I had no chance to say good bye. My life changed in an instant – and his was over in that same instant.
We agreed to donate his viable organs to save other lives and I was able to spend a day longer “with” Karch, as LifeLink found matches for his organs. Konner and I stayed by his bedside and held his hand, 15 of his friends were able to come say their good byes … it was an outpouring of love like I have never seen.
Carolyn holding Karch's hand waiting for organ match

The doctors that removed his heart, liver and kidneys took the time to see me and say thank you. My son's organ donations have saved 4 lives. His long bone and tissue donations have helped over 60 people."
In further sadness, Carolyn's mother passed away in September, leaving a fourth funeral to deal with.
In the midst of these series of events, Konner began her senior year of high school and has maintained her perfect 4.0 GPA and weighted 4.7 GPA. She was chosen as one of fifteen students for the Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom Albert H. Small Student & Teacher Institute - spending 6 months researching a D-Day fallen hero - culminating in a trip to Washington DC and then Normandy, France to deliver a eulogy on her Hero's grave.

Upon her return, she was recognized for her work by local Congressman - David Jolly.

She has also been recommended by Congressman Jolly for College Admission:

Please help Carolyn pay off funeral expenses and fund a portion of Konner's college education.
I would like this story to have a happy ending. Carolyn deserves it and so does Konner. Thank you for your generosity.
Carolyn the loving caretaker
Konner, the same loving caregiver
Karch on his graduation day June 2015
Carolyn with her American Express Family. She does an amazing job supporting our entire team...

Thank you for your considerations.
Lisa Merlino
"Funerals & College Fund" is a confusing header for a campaign, but her situation is unique... she has had 4 funerals in one year and is now having difficulties paying expenses, including College Application Fees for her daughter.
Carolyn is a single mom, who had supported her two children in addition to her aging Aunt & Uncle. In the span of one year, she has endured the death of her Aunt, Uncle, Mother and her 19 year old son who was killed by a drunk driver in June 2016. The costs involved have depleted her savings, not to mention been the most difficult thing any parent can endure.
Amongst this sadness there is a beacon of light, her daughter Konner, a senior at Largo High School. She is Valedictorian of her class of 301, member of the National Honor Society, President of the National History Honor Society, Historian of the National Art Honor Society, and member of her school Marching Band.
Konner has an opportunity to attend an Ivy League College but needs financial assistance. Without this fundraiser, Carolyn simply will not have the money to pay for college expenses occurring outside any scholarship money Konner may receive. Living expenses, along with credit card debt from funeral expenses, exceed her earnings.
Thank you for taking the time to read the events in her own words below:
"In 2012 I moved to Florida with my children, Konner and Karch - and started taking care of my Aunt and Uncle in their elder years. My Aunt passed away in July of 2015, at which time, I moved my uncle in with us – as he had Alzheimer’s and needed 24 hour care and supervision. In June of 2016, he declined quickly and passed away within days of being transferred to hospice.
The following day, June 12, 2016 – my 19 year old son – Karch - went to the movies with his best friend, who was trying to cheer him up. On the drive home, their car was struck from behind by a drunk driver in a pickup truck. The driver was traveling 86 MPH in a 30 MPH zone.
The force of the impact caused my son to hit his head so hard that his brain herniated down onto his spine, and he was brain dead within 10 minutes.
The police came to my home and told me I must get to the hospital right away. When I arrived, Karch was on life support. The doctors declared his death at 7:30 am Sunday morning. I had no chance to say good bye. My life changed in an instant – and his was over in that same instant.
We agreed to donate his viable organs to save other lives and I was able to spend a day longer “with” Karch, as LifeLink found matches for his organs. Konner and I stayed by his bedside and held his hand, 15 of his friends were able to come say their good byes … it was an outpouring of love like I have never seen.
Carolyn holding Karch's hand waiting for organ match
The doctors that removed his heart, liver and kidneys took the time to see me and say thank you. My son's organ donations have saved 4 lives. His long bone and tissue donations have helped over 60 people."
In further sadness, Carolyn's mother passed away in September, leaving a fourth funeral to deal with.
In the midst of these series of events, Konner began her senior year of high school and has maintained her perfect 4.0 GPA and weighted 4.7 GPA. She was chosen as one of fifteen students for the Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom Albert H. Small Student & Teacher Institute - spending 6 months researching a D-Day fallen hero - culminating in a trip to Washington DC and then Normandy, France to deliver a eulogy on her Hero's grave.
Upon her return, she was recognized for her work by local Congressman - David Jolly.
She has also been recommended by Congressman Jolly for College Admission:
Please help Carolyn pay off funeral expenses and fund a portion of Konner's college education.
I would like this story to have a happy ending. Carolyn deserves it and so does Konner. Thank you for your generosity.
Carolyn the loving caretaker
Konner, the same loving caregiverKarch on his graduation day June 2015Carolyn with her American Express Family. She does an amazing job supporting our entire team...Thank you for your considerations.
Lisa Merlino
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Merlino
Organizer
Carlsbad, CA
Carolyn Ross
Beneficiary