Marla Murphy Kenney and Chris Kenney

There was a plan….a great one! Marla and Chris bought a lovely, small motel in Florida in 2016 so Marla could semi-retire, work at home, and spend time with Chris. Chris had his left leg amputated January 2016 following four years of non-weight bearing due to repeated infections, ultimately leading to sepsis.

Hurricane Michael arrived in 2018 and devastated the motel, requiring a lengthy and costly rehab. Michael also destroyed their home, which to date, four years later, they have still not been able to fully rebuild. They currently live in one room of the existing structure.

Chris' health declined in spring of 2021. He had preparatory surgeries in September and after training, began Peritoneal Dialysis in Nov 2021.

Throw in a car accident July 2021.

Fall of 2022 Chris was diagnosed with pleurisy, then pneumonia, and pericardial effusion requiring hospitalization. They then discovered he was failing the Peritoneal Dialysis and switched him to Hemo Dialysis.

Christmas Eve 2022, broken water pipe and broken oven!….and Chris being hospitalized.

These people deserve a break! They have spent their lives in service to others.

However, even knowing all this, the Facebook post below by Marla on 1/7/2023 is what led me to start this GoFundMe. The Grace and Acceptance by which these people live and love is inspiring!

“It's been a crazy few weeks. I am slightly stressed. No water or oven to cook Christmas dinner followed by Chris being hospitalized Christmas evening was just the beginning. He is now on hemo dialysis so I have spent the last Sat, Tue, Thur., and today sitting in the car for 7 hours while he had dialysis in center. Next week, we begin training to do it at home which means 3 weeks of traveling an hour each way for that. Thankfully, it's our slow time, but it's also our broke time. Mother in law also arrived this week for her usual winter with us. She is a godsend.

I tell you all this not for sympathy, but so you know what's up and also to say.... None of these things made me want to use. I accept that this is my current reality. I don't have to like it. My will and life are in God's hands and I will do what is put in front of me each day. At points I may get bitchy or whiny, I'm not perfect. Thanks for letting me share.”