This one is simple. There are a few things that Kari and Barry need desperately. Basic things that will make what they are going through a bit more bearable.
- A Safe Home that they can afford.
I am not asking for someone to give them a house, but it would be a wonderful gesture. This seems huge. It is what Dave Ramsey would call a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. Maybe there is a consultant some one knows that can help us locate safe and accessible housing. Maybe there is a wonderful handicapped accessible house sitting vacant that you know about. Maybe if we all Chip-In, We can help to lift this great financial burden. Stuck in a lease, Kari on disability, Barry working reduced hours to care for her. These are things we can't change. But we can each do something. $1 from each of us can start moving mountains and every cent may help them face one less stress for one more day. I see a single story Ranch style home in their future. With a bedroom and tub/shower that will accommodate Kari's needs.
Right now Kari can only get comfortable in a recliner and even that is not very comfortable. Every couple deserves a bed they can share and enjoy. Think infomercial adjustable beds! Two sided adjustable beds. Kari can position herself to match her favorite recliner positioning and Barry can sleep next to her contorted in his favorite position as well. Cuddling can cure. Holding hands can heal. Does anyone have a connection in this industry? Please share your time and talents if you know of a way to make this happen.
I know, another huge wish for Kari and Barry, but really and truly medically needed. Kari has undergone several MAJOR abdominal surgeries. One surgery was very complicated and she has to heal from the inside out (think packed open wound). Sorry to be graphic, but I want you all to understand why this is a NEED and not a "want". Kari and Barry have cars and right now getting out of the house is a huge challenge. That is going to be the case for many months. Kari needs to leave her home to go to many doctor appointments, therapy sessions, and to bathe/shower. She needs to get out for lab work and chemo. Her auto-immune complication has limited her ability to move from sitting to standing. Right now getting in and out of a car requires 2 helpers, inclined wedges, boosters, and is physically draining. Ideally Kari needs a vehicle that will allow her to swivel and shift forward to her feet. She just cannot get from sit to stand without significant help. Kari needs the help of 1-2 people to get from sitting to standing. Personally, I think she needs an SUV. Something with height and running boards. Kari can not afford to fall and injure herself. I know this is a huge thing to hope for, but it is a major need at the moment. If you know of a corporate sponsor or have a dependable SUV rusting in your yard, please consider helping.
Helping out is simple. Donate your time and talent in helping us reach these 3 big goals. If you have spare change or a few dollars to Chip-In to lift these burdens that is wonderful. Prayers, Positive Thoughts, and as much buzz as possible about these needs would be greatly appreciated.
Kari and Barry have established a paypal account. All funds donated will go directly to them. There is no middle man. Chip-In if you can. Thank You!
How Else Can You Help
- spread this story like a wild forest fire, bad infection. or plague. Make it your mission to introduce your friends and family to Kari & Barry. Before we know it all of our friends will be working together to meet their needs.
- Please join me in nominating Kari & Barry for the following Contests or Share (as described below)their story with hopes that Celebrities will get involved. We may not have deep pockets, but they do! We can each be the catalyst that causes a benefactor to emerge and help!
Missions To Accomplish (Choose 1, Some or All...Participate in each mission to help secure help for Kari & Barry) Please Consider taking 1 hour out of your schedule this weekend to help me put Kari & Barry into the spotlight.
Mission #1:
Knock on the door of Nate Berkus and The Nate Show.
** Mission #1 Saturday 2/5/11**
CLICK HERE to submit a Story Idea. (Specifically this link is looking for NYC area residents that love Nate. Kari lives north of the city and who doesn't love Nate? Focus on Community, what Kari and Barry add to their community and beg him to make some of their days a little sunnier.) or
CLICK HERE to nominate Kari & Barry as "deserving people". The nomination for this states:
Do you know an amazing person who rescued someone of lived through a difficult time? Is there a "hero" in your neighborhood who always puts others before themselves? Did someone help you and change your life? If you know a deserving person in need of recognition, please email us their story along with a photo. Please only respond if you are willing to share your story on national television.
***I think this second option is the best match, but either form will draw attention***
I have selected 13 hosts/contests/events to target in the next 24 hours. Please join me!
I also ask that you keep the Richards' and Stearns' families in your thoughts and prayers. Kari's grandma is not well tonight. If you can drop her a note of support
karbar427@yahoo.com I know she would appreciate it. She is stuck at home and wishing she were well enough to be with her family.
