Fundraiser for Aunt Gwen and Eli

Hi! My name is Shantel. I'm fundraising with my Mom and sister to help my Aunt, Gwen Riddick. Our goal is to raise money to get surgery for her baby Eli. Eli is all she has. Aunt Gwen has never complained about anything in life, humbly always giving glory to God in circumstances that would've broken the common person. She is widowed and never was able to have kids. If you've met her, she has shared the gospel of the Lord with you and shone His light in your life. She is a constant beacon for the Lord and it's just inspiring.

Aunt Gwen was supposed to retire years ago but has continued to work to provide for herself. However, she was in a very bad car accident which left her with a drop foot. She just recently had surgery to remove a growth from her stomach as a diabetic. It left her with a severe bacterial infection. Due to diabetes, post-surgery she was left with an open wound. As a caregiver for disabled adults and elderly, she's left out of work. To make matters worse, last week while bathing Eli, we noticed this sweet baby has a huge lump in his lower abdomen. We took him to the vet and it has to be removed immediately. Due to the circumstance mentioned above, she doesn't have the means or money. Should the tumor grow, surgical removal would no longer be possible. This is why we are trying to raise the money immediately. Unable to have children naturally, Eli is such a huge part of Aunt Gwen's life and he is like her child.

I can't explain how sweet this angel is; his little tongue hangs out most of the time due to a snaggle tooth and periodontal gum disease. He makes the most of life with his sweet persona. I simply can't imagine her having to go home alone without her little buddy, who has been by her side and is there every day when she goes home to an empty house. This is on top of all her medical expenses, which she has not asked for help with! Now her baby is needing immediate veterinary services and it's all too much. So as a family, we are trying to raise funds for Eli's surgery and aftercare.

I understand the economy is a wreck right now, so we truly appreciate anything you could bless her with! Being a dog lover I simply can't imagine this dog going through pain. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this fundraiser! Pictures are included of the vet paperwork and estimate.

Updates will be included and pictures of little Eli. Aunt Gwen did not ask for help. This is something we as a family are doing to prevent her from losing her best friend.

Should insurance decide to pitch in to help with a fraction of the costs, any additional proceeds will go to helping Aunt Gwen and Eli in whatever other areas of expense they may encounter. Aunt Gwen is more than deserving of all of our help.