Dear friends, family, and other generous givers,

My name is Mike Rowe Jr. and I'm creating this GiveSendGo campaign in an effort to help my parents in a time of need.  Life is not always fair, and my folks were dealt a tremendous blow at an age when they were just starting to enjoy their retirement and golden years.  My dad (Mike Sr.) worked hard his whole life to support his family.  But he suffered a massive heart attack and stroke back in 2017 that greatly impacted him physically, as well as his ability to communicate.  He is bed and chair bound now, and is permanently NPO (Nothing by Mouth), forced to live with a feeding tube for all of his nourishment, like food, water, and medicine.

My dad's situation has also taken a toll on my mom (Carmela), who was thrust into a role of primary caregiver when my dad had his heart attack and stroke over 8 years ago.  She suffers from anxiety and depression, and the situation with my dad has also taken a toll on her physically.  She has developed arthritis in her knees, which makes it difficult for her to walk, and she has edema (painful swelling) from constantly being on her feet.

Life has been challenging for my parents to say the least.  Their situation has created a financial burden on them that is quickly draining their resources.  Like most people their age, they are on a fixed income.  And now they have bills to pay that most people wouldn't contemplate or plan for.  Because of my dad's medical condition, my parents had to hire a live-in caregiver to provide 24/7 care year-round, to tend to both of their needs.

The goal of this campaign is to hopefully provide my parents with some financial relief, and help them with their in-home care, medical expenses, as well as projects around their house that are greatly needed, but they don't have the means right now to take care of.  All of their retirement income goes straight to their live-in care, medical supplies, prescriptions, and the basics like food and utilities, with nothing left to spare for other things that come up like home repairs and maintenance.

Presently, their house needs work both on the outside and inside of the home.  Trees are overgrown, their exterior siding needs to be power washed, their air conditioner needs replacement before next summer, the inside of the house needs painting, their flooring needs a good cleaning, and there are other repairs and maintenance necessary around their home that my folks just don't have the funds available to address.

Both of my parents have a strong Catholic faith, were regular church goers before all of the medical hardships that occurred, and my dad was a dedicated lector and eucharistic minister at the local church they attended.  They've put their faith in God and God has delivered, when you consider the wonderful in-home caregiver that they have to look after them and their daily needs.

Again, Mike and Carmela are putting their faith in God and the wonderful friends, family, and acquaintances they've encountered over the years to help them in their time of need.  Any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated.  And every little bit helps to keep them going and make their lives a little more comfortable as they continue to deal with their unfortunate situation and daily struggles.  If you are unable to give at this time, please forward this campaign to others you know who may be willing to offer their assistance to two very good people that are in great need.

Thank you so much for your love and support.  And continue to keep my parents, Mike and Carmela, in your thoughts and prayers that they receive God's many blessings and grace.

The Rowe Family