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Puzzledtraveller

(5,937 posts)
Tue Oct 13, 2015, 11:38 PM Oct 2015

We are close to our goal. (edited w/link)

Last edited Sat Oct 17, 2015, 09:07 AM - Edit history (2)

My wife and I and our 17 month old daughter are going to San Antonio to be with my mother for as long as we can. We are both unemployed thought my wife does some piece meal transcription work and I had resigned from my position as a social services caseworker with the commonwealth of Kentucky after I had used all my FML when my daughter was born and she had a condition which I felt better being home with her and to help my wife. I do not regret that but now that I have informed them I am wanting to go back to work I had to reapply and interview all over again. I was there for 6 years and had only been away for 8 months and I am still waiting to hear back after having had 5 interviews.

We are going to drive and my mother in law has offered her van, a friend of my wife has offered us a place to stay in Memphis on our way to Texas from Kentucky. My daughter has never been in a car longer than an hour and even that is hard for her so we will probably have to make two over night stops along the way. I am thinking Memphis and possibly Texarkana or Waco. To make it easier on my wife and baby girl. I know my mom and sister had offered help with gas but we are presently broke as we also devoted a lot of resources to my stepson, our 5 year old who was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome and we had traveled to Cincinnati a few times for genetic testing.

So my question is how and is it appropriate to ask people if they can contribute anything to our trip to San Antonio to see my mother. This will probably be the last time I get to see her. Who should I ask here, or what can I do as far as soliciting for contributions for travel expenses? I never thought I would be in this position and normally would have been too proud to seek help but in this situation I know we would benefit from any assistance generous people would be willing to offer. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

The link is to the post where we originally asked for help. The gofundme link below is where you can donate. We will update our travel plans and how we use the generous funds so people know we are sincere.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018806470

https://www.gofundme.com/sz6ch9u8

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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We are close to our goal. (edited w/link) (Original Post) Puzzledtraveller Oct 2015 OP
You can start here glinda Oct 2015 #1
Thank you, I just set something up based on your advice. Puzzledtraveller Oct 2015 #3
... glinda Oct 2015 #8
:) Puzzledtraveller Oct 2015 #9
Wish I had more answers ... slipslidingaway Oct 2015 #2
Thank you for the advice. Puzzledtraveller Oct 2015 #4
No solutions ... slipslidingaway Oct 2015 #5
have you checked if her local cancer societies have traveling money? irisblue Oct 2015 #6
I will check, I know my sister who is down there Puzzledtraveller Oct 2015 #7

glinda

(14,807 posts)
1. You can start here
Tue Oct 13, 2015, 11:49 PM
Oct 2015
http://www.giveforward.com/p/fundraisers-for-individuals/personal-donation-website
https://www.gofundme.com
https://fundraising.myevent.com/personal-fundraising.htm

Then after you set up information and pictures, etc.....maybe you can let some people here know on this thread. These sites are helpful. It is not easy to ask for help sometimes but there are people who help others. Good luck. Sorry for all your sadness.

slipslidingaway

(21,210 posts)
2. Wish I had more answers ...
Wed Oct 14, 2015, 12:01 AM
Oct 2015

I know people go to websites and get donations, we did not have to do that as some family members were able to help us and even solicited contributions from other family members to help with expenses. There are times when you cannot be too proud and need to accept any donations from family that come your way.

I have seen others post links to a go fund me site here on DU and you might need to contact the administrators and ask permission. Another way might be to set up a care pages or caringbridge site, which is mainly used to keep people informed, but maybe other relatives and friends would be inclined to chip in if they know your intentions.

Again wish I more answers, life certainly changes when there is a significant illness.



slipslidingaway

(21,210 posts)
5. No solutions ...
Wed Oct 14, 2015, 12:26 AM
Oct 2015

but give your wife and daughter some extra hugs If we win the lottery you'll hear from me, but do not hold your breath!

Do what you can reasonably do for your Mom and your family, you cannot do it all, if you just need to stay in touch for now by phone then do so. Actually I would wait to see what the oncologist has in mind and what your Mom is willing to accept in respect to treatment and go from there, not easy times. Sending positive thoughts and wishing you strength during difficult times.

irisblue

(34,294 posts)
6. have you checked if her local cancer societies have traveling money?
Wed Oct 14, 2015, 07:08 PM
Oct 2015

or maybe the social workers at the hospital where she is being treated have emergency funds. I know hospital social workers move mountains.

Puzzledtraveller

(5,937 posts)
7. I will check, I know my sister who is down there
Thu Oct 15, 2015, 12:08 PM
Oct 2015

can better investigate what services the may have while we are looking at national organizations. We have had a great show of support on the https://www.gofundme.com/sz6ch9u8 page even gaining a very generous contribution from a "DU Lounger" , we are so grateful whoever they are.

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