Mike Spector's Future Care

My best friend and wife of 57 years, Harriet Spector, passed away on November 26, 2019. I will be attending the funeral service is in St. Louis, where Harriet will be buried close to her parents.

Harriet Spector’s Obituary 

I am on a new journey and I have serious challenges ahead which require urgent attention. I was released early from a medical rehabilitation center so I could be with Harriet as she passed away. As a result, I will likely need more medical attention in the upcoming months and I need to begin the transition out of the house, which I will no longer be able to manage on my own.

It is not easy asking, but I am at a point where I must ask for help. I am unable to do basic things like put on a shirt without help.  I walk very slowly and often use a wheelchair.  Without Harriet, my monthly Social Security income has also lowered. During this time of grief, I am asking friends, neighbors and community for financial support to help cover my basic needs, empty my wife’s belongings, clean the house and make some minor home repairs.  The first step is to prepare the house so that it can go on the market.

I have no exact amount for what each stage of this life changing process will cost. I’m taking everything one day at a time and trying to focus on my immediate needs. I've set this goal at an arbitrary amount and  -- to be honest -- any financial support will be greatly appreciated. To this end, my kids have helped me set up this campaign.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP but  feel more comfortable donating specific items or services instead of money,  these are some items that would be extremely helpful. 


1. Food delivery - Places I have used include Omaha Steaks. It’s helpful to have pre-prepared meals delivered that only need to be heated up, because it is very difficult for me to stand up, or use my hands to prepare and cook food.

2. Gift cards - For groceries and basics.

3. Uber gift cards. Some days, I have a difficult time driving and need to get to medical appointments or make basic runs to the pharmacy or grocery store.

4.  Cleaning Out The Estate - I will need help removing my wife’s clothing and other items from our house. I am not sure what this will entail yet, but I know there are services that can be hired to do this type of work.

5. A planner to help me organize - Someone who has experience and can help guide me through this process of organizing what needs to get accomplished so I can move out of the house quickly and efficiently.

6. Grief counseling - I anticipate needing some counseling and working with someone who can help me process the change.  I live by myself and the thought of going through this alone is overwhelming. 

7. Hourly helpers - I often pay $20/hour for a trained professional to help me with everything from serving meals, taking out the dog, to helping me shower and get dressed.

8. Housecleaning service - Merry Maids is an example of this type of service. My house is currently in complete disarray and needs a deep cleaning that I am unable to do on my own.

9. Carpet replacement - for the sale of the house. I need inexpensive carpets that can replace the current carpeting so the house smells and looks nicer for sale.

10. Hard wood floor cleaning - to make the house ready to show for sale. I don’t need to replace the wood flooring, but I do need it to be cleaned and treated so it looks nicer for sale.

11. A Handyman - Someone who can come to my house in Matthews, NC, and fix some basics around the house including fixing a small leak in the roof, and painting the ceiling where leaks have occurred.

12. Lawn care maintenance - This is to hire someone to cut the grass and remove cobwebs from the outside of my home.  

I have reached a place where I need help now. The upcoming weeks and months will be very challenging. I appreciate any help (there is nothing too small) that anyone can spare. Thank you very much for your consideration.

*If you prefer to send me a service instead of making a financial contribution, please contact me directly by sending an email through this campaign. Email address: [email redacted]. I’ll contact you back with details of a mailing address and phone number. Thank you so much for consideration and help.