The Hagans need your Help

Please consider helping a grieving family this Christmas.

TJ Duncan, Heidi Hagan, along with her husband, Jon Hagan and their two kiddos are grieving the sudden and tragic loss of their dad and grandfather, Joe Duncan, after he suffered a massive heart attack while working on December 22, 2021. Joe was a dedicated father, friend, and a kind and helpful community member. He served on the Mifflinburg Hose Company and was a member and officer with the Mifflinburg Community Ambulance.

Navigating death in general is difficult, especially around the holidays. Navigating death when one has autism brings about additional unique challenges. TJ, age 38, is autistic. His dad was his primary caregiver and offered full-time support where they lived in Texas. Joe’s death has been especially hard on TJ, as his dad was his near constant companion since the passing of TJ and Heidi’s mom in 2009.

TJ will now be moving to Pennsylvania where the goal is to have him live with Heidi and Jon and their two beautiful children, Brigid and Liam. (Liam is also autistic and shares an incredible, unspoken bond with his uncle♥️.) With this move, there are some logistics to sort out, including moving all of TJ’s belongings to PA. Unfortunately, they will need to remain in Texas until someone is able to retrieve them. This is going to represent a huge cost for their family, especially with Heidi just about to begin repaying her student loans for midwifery school. This family has worked incredibly hard to provide not only for their family but has also provided comfort for so many others through Heidi’s amazing hard work as a midwife. The travel expenses alone will completely exhaust their savings in less than a month. In addition, TJ currently has no belongings and is in need of clothing, furniture, toiletries, etc. The unexpected significant expenses this family is having to endure so close to Christmas is a huge stressor, at an already stressful and heartbreaking time.

Therefore, we are trying to lessen the immediate financial burden for Heidi and Jon so that they can focus on their family and help TJ acclimate to his new surroundings. We ask with a humble heart if there is anything you are able to contribute, whether it’s helping with clothing and personal items for TJ, or helping to offset the travel expenses, every little bit would be such a blessing and would be most appreciated.

First and foremost Heidi and Jon ask for your prayers. THANK YOU to each and every one who has reached out by FB messenger, text, or phone and sent support. The family feels your love and prayers deeply.