Join Us in Lifting Up Peter and Leesa

My name is Bob Kilpeck and I would like to start a GOFUNDME for Peter and Leesa Farnsworth. Many of you know them as the artisan/jewelers and owners of Striking Gold Jewelers in Ellsworth, Maine.

I'm sure that many of you, like me, started out as customers and ended up as friends. Both have a way of treating every customer as a special friend.

Well, right now Leesa and Peter could use a little help and a lot of support.

Peter has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor which has presented some unexpected personal and business/financial challenges. The mass gave him stroke-like symptoms, and Peter couldn’t walk or speak for 3 ½ months. He is now undergoing heavy (high dose) chemotherapy, which requires him to spend a full week hospital stay every other week, for four months. On his off weeks, he is dealing with the chemo side effects which make it difficult for him to function and of course work at what he loves, try as he may. Leesa does her best to keep the store open a couple of days a week while spending much of her time at the hospital, not to mention trips back and forth to Boston's Dana Farber Hospital.

Because their now very limited income stream from the store can't keep up with their expenses and their $15,000 insurance deductible, I am hopeful that a GOFUNDME will give them some much needed relief. Many of you have been supportive in helping with meals and visits, and of course Peter and Leesa greatly appreciate how kind people have been. There are many challenges ahead. Now is the time when financial help in any amount can be super helpful, and I am confident that Peter and Leesa will be extremely appreciative for your kindness and support.