It takes a village, and the town of Guilford, CT, (hometown of Paul and our family), is one heck of a great village!!! It is through a hometown friend that the KARE Foundation was notified about Jennifer Pecararo, a former Guilford resident, who is fighting for both her and her son’s health issues.

Many Guilford residents know Jennifer through her many charitable efforts throughout the years for the community. Jennifer is a single mother now living in East Haven, raising her son Nicholas, who is autistic, blind, and has Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. In addition to caring for Nicholas, Jennifer has overcome kidney failure, (now off the transplant list!), but is currently being treated for two inoperable brain tumors as well as epilepsy. (caused by the tumors). Even with all these setbacks, Jennifer continues to move forward, keeping a happy and upbeat daily life for her son “Nick Nack”, who has profound special needs but who continues to flourish with her unrelenting love and guidance.

Even as a single mother dealing with the incredible financial burden for her and Nick’s medical needs, she has not asked for help. Unfortunately, she was recently notified their current housing situation is at risk and this will cause incredible hardship for them.  Her dear friend Elizabeth started a GoFundMe for Jennifer and the KARE Foundation reviewed the story, contacted Jennifer to learn more about their situation, and knew we needed to help!

Jennifer is a proud mother and fighter for her son and herself! She is not one to ask for assistance. However, her selfless dedication helping others in the past only bolstered the KARE Foundation’s decision to help alleviate some of the financial burdens afacing Jennifer and Nick as they figure out next steps with their housing insecurity and medical expenses.  It seems incomprehensible the medical and financial challenges so many families face, all while remaining strong and resolute in their determination to keep moving forward.  Paul would be incredibly proud and grateful the KARE Foundation has selected Jennifer and Nick to be recipients of KARE Funds.  Keep up the fight Jen!  As Paul would say, “YOU GOT THIS!!”

As always, thank you donors! The KARE Foundation’s ability to support families like Jen and Nick would not be possible without your generosity!

Blessings all!