Dear Friends and Family,
My name is Lee Teitsworth, and I am writing on behalf of my close friends Kenan and Cathy Carey. Cathy was due to have her baby Saturday, Feb 5th, 2011; but Tuesday the 1st, Cathy did not feel the baby move at all. Concerned, Kenan and Cathy went to the hospital for an ultrasound, and their fears were confirmed: there was no movement because the baby had died. Tuesday evening Cathy was induced, and in the night gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. They named her Evelyn.
Their pain feels tangible, doesn't it?
At a time like this we as friends and family feel heartbroken, and a bit helpless. My hope is to recognize and meet a need in a way that will minister to Kenan and Cathy, and be a blessing to them.
Because we recently had a baby of our own, my wife Jill and I are keenly aware of the expense involved. In fact, I have two medical bills sitting on my desk that we incurred in December '10. As a sampling, the following are actual costs, before insurance: Anesthesia: $200.38. Recovery room: $764.65 (Jill was there about an hour). Lab/immunology: $85. Obstetrics/semi-private room: $2140.00. IV solution: $49.24.
And the list goes on, and on and on.
Whether or not a patient has insurance coverage, medical expenses can very quickly become anything from painful, to shocking, to outright devastating. It won't take much for their bills to quickly climb into the thousands--and while I don't know the details of their budget, I do know they had planned a home birth, and any hospital stay will have incurred more expense than they had planned.
Although my original thought for Kenan and Cathy is that our donations will go toward payment of these medical bills, they may decide instead to use the money for a getaway, to begin a recovery and healing process. I would love to see them do something like that as well. But in the end it's not up to us--our purpose is solely to minister to them and bless them, with no strings or expectations attached. Whatever they choose, they should be free to use the money as they have need.
To this end, you can securely donate through Paypal or with a credit card, using the link below. Obviously 100% of what comes through goes to Kenan and Cathy. If you donate online, be aware that Paypal does collect 3% of any transaction.
If for any reason you feel uncomfortable with donating online, you may also send checks (made out to Kenan Carey) to us at:
1709 Rush-Scottsville Rd.
Rush, NY 14543
** We have discovered a third option, which makes it possible to donate anonymously if you choose, and/or avoid the 3% Paypal admin. fees. With help from his parents, we have contacted Kenan's bank; and according to them, it's possible to simply deposit money directly into his account. Rather than post Kenan's banking details on the internet however, if you're interested in donating this way, contact either Dan Carey at his home phone, or me at lee.teitsworth@gmail.com, and we will give you the details necessary to complete the transaction. **
Thanks everyone--let's make this a real encouragement for two great, great people!!!
6 comments:
Hey everyone! Just to let everyone know, we are hoping to present K & C with the first chunk of the donations Saturday, Feb 12th. So if we could get as many donations by then, that would be fabulous. Our goal is to have them see the amount in the account BEFORE they get their first medical bill. We'll see how much of a need there is to keep this open after the 12th, but for now the 12th is the "deadline".
Thank you so much, Lee and Jill, for such generosity in your thoughts and faith for Kenan and Cathy. I know that whatever is given to them will bless them both and will encourage them through this awful struggle.
They are so lucky and blessed to have such an amazing support group surrounding them.
Will you post the total amount gathered after the deadline? or will that be kept confidential?
Great point, Cassandra...Yes, on the 12th, we will absolutely post the total amount donated through all sources.
As a current status update, there is a steady stream of support from all corners...everyone from close friends, to old friends reconnecting, to people who don't even know Kenan and Cathy, or have relatively remote connections to them---showing profound love and support through giving and many prayers.
Donation amounts "large" and "small." Although I can't judge motive...there sure seems to be a whole lot of heart behind these donations. It's moving to watch as it happens. I can't wait to see where you all take it from here!
One more note...this was updated in the body of the text as well, but I want to highlight this for those who have already read the original post: ** We have discovered a third option, which makes it possible to donate anonymously if you choose, and/or avoid the 3% Paypal admin. fees. With help from his parents, we have contacted Kenan's bank; and according to them, it's possible to simply deposit money directly into his account. Rather than post Kenan's banking details on the internet however, if you're interested in donating this way, contact either Dan Carey at his home phone, or me at lee.teitsworth@gmail.com, and we will give you the details necessary to complete the transaction. **
the funeral for Evelyn Jane Carey will be held Saturday Feb. 12th at 10am at Avon Weselyan Church in Avon (300 Genesee St) Cathy and Kenan would like everyone to come who would like to be there.
Post a Comment