Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
Our family is facing an exceptionally challenging time. My wife, Angie, was recently hospitalized for a week with a severe illness that began during, what should have been, a joyful vacation.
However, since being released from the hospital — after numerous tests — we have an answer but not a solution—Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE), a rare digestive disease afflicting her stomach and small intestine. As someone who already suffers from autoimmune disease, illnesses and pain are always amplified. She continues to endure upper abdominal pain and nausea caused by the Gastritis (inflammation throughout her digestive system) that was found with endoscopy. As doctors continue to conduct further tests, Angie cannot return to work until her ongoing symptoms are manageable.
This situation compounds a series of tough setbacks. In 2024, Angie lost her job due to restructuring, leading to eight months of unemployment, during which we relied heavily on our 401(k) savings. Her attempts to return to the workforce were stifled by long COVID, and when she finally secured a new position, another restructuring rendered her unemployed once more.
Because Angie has not been with her current employer long enough to qualify for FMLA, that unfortunately places us in a precarious position. We are battling mounting bills, late fees, threatening collection notices, and the anxiety of deteriorating credit. We are also striving to support our oldest two college-aged children. Meanwhile, our home is in need of some repairs, as well.
We are reaching out to you, our community—the people who can carry us through this storm. Your generous contributions will be directed towards basic living expenses, easing accumulating bills, and securing Angie's position amidst these ongoing health struggles. Every donation, no matter how small, will lighten our burden and guide us toward stability.
We humbly seek your assistance. Please consider donating to support Angie's medical journey and our family's financial comeback. Your compassion during this tough time will leave a profound impact and would mean so much to our family.
Thank you, for your prayers, love, kindness and generosity, from the bottom of our hearts.
With Love and Appreciation,
~Angie & Rick Barnes
