URGENT: Help Needed! Save 80-Year-Old Sherry's Home!
Donation protected
This fundraiser was created on behalf of my beloved 80-year-old grandmother, Sherry.
Can you imagine?
Imagine the heartbreaking reality of an 80-year-old widow, like your own grandmother, facing the terrifying prospect of losing the home she has loved for decades. My grandmother, Sherry Camilloni, is living this nightmare. The recent collapse of her septic tank has caused sewage and wastewater to seep into her 123-year-old basement, filling the house with a terrible odor and leaving her unable to use her bathroom or take a shower. Living on a fixed income and unable to afford monthly payments for a loan, she relies heavily on my mother and me but living in a rural location with few people to help; our resources are stretched thin. It’s heartbreaking to see her endure such hardship. Your donation can help restore her quality of life and allow her to stay in the home she loves. As a community, we can create a heartwarming moment that she will never forget.
Her Hopes and Dreams
Despite countless obstacles, my grandmother pursued her dream of becoming a small business owner in the early 2000s. Starting in her garage, she began selling hand-crafted gifts and eventually moved into her own retail store. Although her business lasted for nearly 7 years, it never generated a significant profit, but it was enough to keep the lights on and make her feel fulfilled.
Heartbreaking Setbacks
During this time, Sherry faced significant personal challenges. Her second husband, my step-grandfather, moved out under false pretenses, claiming it was due to his commute. Eventually, he stopped coming home entirely, leaving her in emotional and financial distress. He provided her with very little or nothing at all, forcing her to withdraw additional funds from her business to cover household expenses, weakening her business over time.
Eventually, her business shut down, and Sherry took on several side jobs, one of which was working as a receptionist at a hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel was acquired by a larger corporation, and they replaced the older staff with younger employees, leaving her without a job. Living in an area with limited job opportunities, especially for someone her age, she faced immense challenges in finding stable employment. For the next decade, she experienced severe financial hardship, constantly plagued by money concerns.
In 2019, my step-grandfather passed away. We later found out that he had been leading a double life, carrying on an affair for over 20 years until his death. Additionally, he had been deceiving my grandmother about paying the mortgage. It came to light that the house she was living in was on the verge of foreclosure, with only 30 days left. My mother (Cara Camilloni) and I teamed up to gather enough money to save the house, but it was a close call.
After grieving and accepting my step-grandfather’s death and the revelation of his long-term affair, Sherry experienced a brief moment of peace. For the first time, she could breathe, no longer living under the constant uncertainty of my step-grandfather’s web of lies. The house was finally paid off last August, and she felt a sense of security and tranquility she had never known before. Unfortunately, this peace was short-lived.
Adding to her struggles, she made her living as a waitress and hairstylist for the majority of her life until she eventually opened her business. When her business failed, she was left with nothing and burdened with debt from a business loan, which she is still struggling to pay off. As a result, she has no savings or retirement funds despite having worked hard her entire life.
The Crisis That Could Take Her Home Away
A few weeks ago, my grandmother’s septic tank, installed in the early 1940s, collapsed, causing sewage to back up into her basement. The clean-up and repair cost is estimated at $25,000—an amount far beyond what she can afford.
Living on a fixed income from social security, she cannot manage loan payments, making this situation even more stressful. With no savings and living below the poverty level, my grandmother faces the devastating possibility of losing her home. She is currently unable to shower or use the bathroom due to the failing septic system, and if this repair isn't done soon, the health department could deem her house uninhabitable.
Daily Struggles and Health Concerns
Every day, my grandmother struggles without basic essentials. Simple tasks like washing dishes, showering, and using the bathroom have become impossible, leading to deteriorating living conditions, poor hygiene, and impacting her mental health. This repair is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for her well-being and dignity.
A Life-Changing Surprise for Sherry
To make this even more special, my grandmother has no idea that I’m rallying support to help her. Just imagine the look on her face when she discovers that her home will be restored and she can live comfortably again. We will release an update when we surprise her with the good news so everyone can see her reaction.
Time is running out...
The situation is extremely urgent, and without financial assistance, my grandmother's well-being and the roof over her head remain in jeopardy. The entire septic system needs to be replaced, and her basement needs to be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent further complications with her health, safety, and comfort.
Every Dollar Makes a Difference
Every dollar raised will go directly towards ensuring that my grandmother can continue to live comfortably in her home. With your help, we can provide her with the basic amenities and peace of mind she deserves. This is a life-changing moment for her. Your donation can make a miracle happen, transforming her home back into a place of comfort and safety. No matter the size, every contribution will make a significant impact and go directly to replacing the septic system.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 for the clean-up and installation of a completely new septic system. Any surplus funds will be deposited directly into a savings account, which will be used for other necessary house repairs and emergencies. This will allow her to live in peace during her golden years.
We will provide regular updates on the campaign's progress and the repair work. We thank anyone who joins us in making this a reality for her. Our family will forever remember your support and kindness.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jeremy Camilloni
Organizer
Cattaraugus, NY
Cara Camilloni
Beneficiary