Do you remember Cruises by Kay? Operated by long time West Seattleite Kay Trepanier she retired a few years ago and moved. She was doing just fine. Up until a personal disaster happened. She had a furnace fire and was forced to leave. Through the generosity of friends she has managed to get along for a few days but she's struggling now and has launched a GoFundMe page with a very modest goal. Just $1000. If you remember Kay fondly and/or just want to help here's her story and the link to the page to give her just a little assistance. 

Kay's Story:

Hi,
my name is Kay Trepanier, 
and I need help.

My house caught fire Monday night, March 18th at approximately 930 PM.

There I was, relaxing in my lift chair, watching TV. Suddenly I noticed I was being engulfed in an unpleasant cloud of smoke. Opting for option number two, I made my way out the door, as fast as legs would permit. I knew there was a problem, my house was on fire ! The unindicted perpetrator appears to be a furnace. The hot water tank had gone haywire a couple of days before, so now  there was no hot water, no heat, but plenty of smoke to cure some salmon.

There was a bit of good fortune. The fire department arrived extremely fast. No one was seriously hurt. The fire did not spread to my neighbors' houses. 

The downside:
My ex owned the house, and did not have any homeowners insurance. Most of my "stuff" was smoke and water damaged, but salvageable. And, I was immediately homeless !!!!!! The Tumwater Fire Department paid for the rest of the first night in a motel Then the Red Cross paid for the next 2 days. Lastly, a dear relative pitched in and paid for the last 2 days, before I was able to temporarily move in with a friend. None of this was included in my retirement budget. 

In my earlier life, I had gone on cruises with friends, celebrated my life and family. Like many people, I always thought I could just jump from one career to another, as the needs required. I expected to always be the kind of person, "who makes things happen". I never asked anyone to do anything I was not prepared to do myself. Well, this is beyond anything I ever imagined. I thank my friends, who are trying to help me, in this uncomfortable situation, but I need help !

In the past 2 years, I've had to move twice. Along the way, I discovered, I am 79 (what !!!???) years old and physically challenged. I've been accused by some friends and family, of taking a slow slide into dementia. I think they are exagerrating the normal, "full brain, need room syndrome", for the actual physical brain condition of dementia. I had studiously taken appropriate medical steps to combat that scourge of the elderly. Moderate applications of alcohol keep blood vessels young and supple. So, physically challenged, yes. mentally challenged, I'll let you know when I decide.

For now, my grand-daughter found an apartment for me (450 to 500 S.F.). It is in Senior housing and includes meals. My Ex helped get me in, and is covering most of the rent, for now. Without his help, the monthly rent exceeds all of my Social Security income. Crazy !

The help I am asking for is not considered to be very much these days. I have expenses to cover as the result of the fire (clothes get a little stinky). I missed my current medical premium. Dump runs, clean-up of all my surplus possessions, a new microwave, etc. Anything you can afford would be a blessing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart !

Kay

Here's the link to Kay's GoFundMe page 

https://www.gofundme.com/kay-trepanier-a-leg-up?utm