Support Roger and Mary's Final Journey

Hello my name is Heather,

I'm creating a GoFundMe to help with Roger and Mary’s health care and funeral/ memorial expenses. I met Roger and Mary through my mother Kathy, as they have been wonderful neighbors over the years, always helping her whenever needed.

Roger, a double amputee, has been battling cancer and other health issues for quite some time now. June 17th, 2024, after taking Mary to the hospital for a GI scan, we learned that she also has cancer, and she would be working with her healthcare team regarding next steps. By June 26th Mary went back to the hospital due to severe pain and was transferred to Mission Hospital and received emergency surgery. Shortly after Mary’s surgery Roger had issues related to a double treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, which resulted in him being taken to Mission Hospital, as well. While their quality of life has not been the best, their unconditional love for one another has pressed them to move forward to take care of each other.

July 5th, Roger and Mary were reunited at Mission as they were able to share a room, spend time with loved ones and to have the opportunity to say their goodbyes to one another. Due to Mary’s severe internal bleeding and Roger’s declining health, they are both being transferred to CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.

Earlier this year, they experienced a tragedy no parent should have to go through, with burying their own child. Although they had purchased one plot, their health declined so quickly that arrangements have not been completed to ensure their last wishes are able to be honored. Roger and Mary’s daughter, son, and grandchildren are currently spending what time they have left with them.

My mother shared some stories of the interactions they had at the hospital Friday, and it was heart breaking to say the least. With the cancer so advanced in both Roger and Mary, they are receiving pain medication in hopes of providing some relief and comfort care during their final days. Once Mary was able to rest, Roger was uneasy and so concerned about Mary that he could not focus on his pain and discomfort. I can still see the tears in my mother’s eye’s as she told me the stories of Roger constantly checking on the love of his life. Mary was his “Lou” and as he held her hand, he told her over and over how much he loved her and that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. That is a type of love that not many people get to experience in life, and I have been blessed to watch their love for one another, a love so passionate that they both sacrificed their own pain and wellbeing to try and provide support for their other half.

All donations will be deposited into their daughter’s bank account, to help cover some of the costs to bury not one but both of their parents. Updates will be provided as received.

If you have the means to help this wonderful family so that Roger and Mary can be laid to rest together, it is most appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please share this post, pray for the family and friends of Roger and Mary as they have made a positive impact on all the lives they have touched.