Stand by Mark as He Cares for Lisha

Hello, I'm Mark and this is my wife, Lisha. Lisha was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in April 2023. As she's had several types of treatments, her condition has gotten worse, and now she is in home hospice. Lisha has spent many years helping people as a CNA and home health care aide. Lisha has always been a very giving and supportive person. I'm a federal employee, and I work for a local commissary on base.

As my wife's condition has gotten to the point that she now needs hospice care in the home, I've had to take FMLA leave from my job to be supportive and care for my wife. I also applied for FMLI through the state so I can still get paid while being here for my wife and assisting in her care. I did everything I was supposed to file a claim through FMLI. My claim was properly filed, and I awaited word on how much I would get paid through FMLI. After three and a half weeks, I called and asked why I have no payments pending. I was told that since I'm a federal employee, the federal government doesn't pay into the state FMLI. I should have been told this to begin with.

I now have bills that have built up while waiting for nothing from FMLI. My FMLA expires in July; however, I will have to return to work sooner since I have absolutely no income to pay bills. I feel like I'm letting down the woman that has supported me and has loved me unconditionally for the last 17 years. I would like to continue to care and be there for my wife, but the bills need to be paid. I'm not asking for much except to be here for my wife just as she would be there for me. As far as the bills go, every little bit can and will help. I LOVE MY WIFE MORE THAN ANYTHING........