Widow needs help with cremation costs

My name is Valerie Cashon and this beautiful man is my husband, Brian. He died while across the country in Mayfield, KY staying at a house we bought and expected to move into this year. I had to fly across the country and claim his body and have him cremated. He was back with my family and slowly fixing up our house and it is not yet determined as to what actually happened; there is an open investigation. And, of course, the recent large tornado caused damage to the roof/house and that creates more stress and financial worry. I was here in CA dealing with CA stuff and he was in KY handling KY stuff and we had just gotten back on our feet from multiple trips to KY. His death has created an absolute mess for one person to deal with and now I don’t have the one person that can help make sense of what to do or how to do it.

Unfortunately, the cost of travel and cremation have not yet been paid nor was I able to have a full funeral service. Luckily a friend was able to set up a Honor Guard service to get the flag presentation and the gun salute completed. A very painful yet important moment. Any Funds that are provided will 100% go toward the cremation bill that I have not yet been able to manage or tackle in little bits because the funeral home does not accept payments (I was very lucky to have any extra time given to me to try to come up with the money).

I haven’t been able to return to work and am on disability due to my anxiety, severe depression and PTSD. I am in counseling and hoping to make some emotional gains so I can safely return to work myself. I am not one to ask for help easily but I’m now at a certain point I have no choice but ask. Anything that can be given will be much, much appreciated and will make a difference in this stressful time. I just made it through the holidays, our anniversary (12/27) and his birthday is coming up so the stress and grief have been paralyzing. I’m about to be taken to collections for his unpaid cremation services. I’m at my wits end of how to get through all the monthly costs of suddenly living on my own and adding his extra costs and responsibilities to bear on my own. He had no life insurance and the VA has not provided any survivors benefits.

Brian was a disabled veteran from the Army. He suffered from many physical and emotional issues related to his combat service. Despite his difficulties, he loved me and took care of me and without him this world does not make sense. He was a protector, problem-solver, a wonderful cook/ grill master, reliable and considerate and the guy that would give you the shirt off his back or his last $10. He had a boisterous laugh and loads of Swagger (!) He gave back by being part of the VFW and American Legion. He dreamed big for our future and retirement plans and without my dreamer, my protector, my problem-solver and now without a future as we have dreamed, this journey feels impossible. Death robs you of a present life and the future life of those left behind. My best friend and husband: Brian Christopher Geraldo 1/24/73-4/30/21 - forever loved xxx.

Thank you for reading and helping out with anything possible. ❤️