We never thought we’d be here—writing this. Asking for help has never come easily to us. We’ve always tried to handle life’s hardships quietly, privately. But this situation has brought us to our knees.
When we moved to Vancouver Island this spring, it wasn’t the warm welcome we had imagined. Greg—our daughter Andrea’s partner—was already gravely ill, and the home we had hoped would be filled with joy was instead filled with fear and tears. Andrea had been caring for him around the clock. She was exhausted and desperate, and we stepped into a nightmare.
Greg and Andrea had found something truly rare together: a deep, safe, enduring love. They had worked so hard to build a peaceful life. Together, the three of us bought a home—each of us contributing financially and emotionally, investing everything into a shared future. We emptied our retirement savings to help with the down payment. Greg was to share the monthly expenses and take care of the maintenance and pay his portion of the down payment back over time.
But Greg’s cancer was fast and merciless. He died just two weeks after we arrived. And now, without his presence or his contributions, we are left trying to survive—grieving, financially stretched past our limits, and afraid we may lose the home we all worked so hard to create.
It’s difficult to admit we need help, but we do. Our resources are severely depleted. Our hearts are broken. And we’re in danger of losing the last bit of physical stability we have left.
This fundraiser is our attempt to hold on to the home that was supposed to be our safe haven – the dream we all started together. The funds will help cover monthly mortgage payments, basic bills, and the costs of keeping the home running while we grieve and figure out a new path forward. It will also support household repairs and maintenance that Greg would have handled—work that still urgently needs to be done.
If the goal is exceeded, it would help us recover some of the $250,000 Greg had intended to repay us—funds we trusted into the home, and which are now gone from our retirement as we face the realities of aging into our 80s.
If we can’t reach the goal, we may be forced to sell the house at a major loss, losing what little financial stability we have left.
If you’re in a position to help—through a donation, a share, prayer or simply kind words—we would be deeply grateful. Your support would mean more than we can express.
With love,
Ray and Diane Cross
