Julie Ann Wood

Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well, though the circumstances that prompted me to create this fundraiser are undeniably difficult. Last week, my mother, Julie Wood, passed away at the age of 59. She had battled alcoholism for much of her life and was diagnosed with cirrhosis a few years ago. Tragically, she suffered a severe episode that resulted in a loss of 7 units of blood, pushing her body into shock. For several days, she remained on life support before her condition took a downturn, forcing me to make the heart-wrenching decision to grant her the peace she had so long been denied.

As I navigate the arrangements for her final farewell and work to organize her belongings, I have encountered financial burdens that often accompany the sudden loss of a loved one in such circumstances. Many of you, my dear friends, family, and colleagues, have reached out to ask how you can provide support during this challenging time, and this is the most meaningful way to do so.

Everyone's love and compassion have been a source of solace amidst the storm of grief that surrounds me, and your willingness to assist with these unexpected expenses touches my heart deeply. Your generosity will help ensure that my mother receives the respectful and dignified farewell that she deserves and allows me to manage her possessions with the utmost care, giving me the ability to honor her memory in the best way possible.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each one of you for standing by me during this incredibly trying period. Your support is a beacon of hope, and it reminds me that I'm not alone, even in the darkest of times.

Thank you from the depths of my heart for your love, your compassion, and for walking beside me on this difficult journey.

With gratitude,

Rachael