Support for Rita Burns and Family

Our dear friend Rita Burns and her family suffered another setback, following a great loss last year when she lost her husband to cancer at the young age of 46.

Most remember Josh for his involvement in Northview’s youth wrestling program where he generously gave of himself mentoring youth or they remember him grilling it up under the Friday night lights at Northview’s football games, either way they remember that he invested time in the community, those around him, and was always his kid’s biggest fan. Family was everything.

Others remember Josh for how he would look at his wife. A quiet gentle soul supporting the fire in her, they were a perfect balance and each other’s biggest supporters. Together since teenagers, they were soulmates. Brokenhearted without him, the past 18 month have been difficult, both emotionally and financially. She and the kids pushed forward, as you do, but the stress of moving forward without him, the outstanding medical bills and generally making ends meet as a widow weighed heavily on her heart.

Last week, Rita experienced chest pains and went to the hospital where she suffered and fortunately survived a heart attack. She was diagnosed with a rare condition called SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection). The condition is rare and exasperated by intense emotional stress. She subsequently had a defibrillator implanted as a secondary preventative and protective measure and spent the week in the hospital recovering. The road to recovery, physically, emotionally and financially will be difficult as she navigates both grief and physical healing.

A Go-Fund-Me Campaign has been established to support and relieve some of the financial burdens associated with the remaining and surmounting medical bills, some extra help that will be needed short term and maintaining the home on a single income.

Let’s support them as they have supported the community. Let’s be generous with them as they have been generous with us. No donation is too small, every bit will help heal the grief and move forward. Your generosity will provide her with the strength and resources needed to begin the healing process both physically and financially by relieving some of the stress and burden.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion and support.