Help Miss Francine

Hello, my name is Rebecca Goco, and I am requesting funds for my dear cousin Francine Martel.

Francine has been a piano teacher her whole life. She had a love of classical music and piano from a very young age. In fact, her parents gave her a choice of getting a vehicle to drive or a baby grand piano, as a high school graduation present and she chose the latter.

Francine never married and did not have a family of her own. She taught countless students over her 30+ year career and dedicated herself her students. Her students were her family. She taught her classes in her private residence, on the very piano her parents had bought her when she graduated high school.

I myself had my daughter attend her classes for babies and toddlers. The class was a fun way to introduce music to young, inquisitive minds. My daughter is now 21.

As the years rolled on and just like so many of us, her health became a contributing factor. Diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, her teaching schedule was affected, yet she continue to do what she loved. A few years later, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Another devastating blow and what some people might think of as a death sentence for a piano teachers career. She sought conventional and unconventional treatments for her ailments while still navigating her passion for teaching. Francine puts on a brave face for her students despite the pain she feels every day and I admire her strength in dealing with everything thrown her way.

It was during Covid and the lockdowns that were mandated that Francine‘s business begin to really suffer. Just like many professional services, provided by self-employed people, clients went away. Closures of schools and the restrictions we all experienced from the CDC and government officials left us all unsure of where we could go and what we could attend.

The past three years were a strain on many of us, including my cousin Francine. Having to tend to her medical issues without health insurance and no students to teach, my cousins income dried up. Francine still did her best to stay afloat. But without income coming in, paying any and all bills has become increasingly impossible.

Which brings me to the reason for this gofundme plea. Francine has helped so many students learn and appreciate music. A ripple effect that will touch not just her direct students, but will likely affect the families and generations of those she lovingly taught.

As we all recover and navigate the effects the past few years have had on our lives, I am hopeful that people will feel compelled to donate any extra amount, to help my cousin Francine get back on her feet. She is hopeful that students will return, and that her business will once again inspire and teach young minds with music.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my cousin Francine…..and thank you for your donation to a deserving person.