As 2024 came to a close, our family faced some unexpected challenges. In August, my employment ended, and I began preparing for a significant transition—returning to school to complete my Doctorate while also starting a business at the Brooklyn Park Small Business Center. We adjusted our budget and were ready to embark on this new journey.

However, in early November, we learned I would need two surgeries. The first surgery required a six-week non-weight-bearing recovery, and the second would involve a three-month recovery period. This situation prevented me from continuing my work at the store.

Thankfully, TJ worked tirelessly to ensure our family remained afloat. He has been an incredible provider and protector—a true King of our castle and Head of our household. Despite his unwavering dedication, TJ had been dealing with lingering pain from a fall last year. Though he worked through it, the pain persisted and began affecting the nerves in his legs, making it increasingly difficult for him to walk without discomfort, even for short distances.

Over the holiday season, his pain became unbearable. On December 29th, TJ went to the emergency room, where doctors determined he needed immediate spinal surgery. On December 31st, he underwent a decompression and spinal fusion procedure. Following his hospitalization, he will transition to rehab before returning home. TJ will be out of work for at least three months as he recovers.

This situation has been both emotionally and financially overwhelming for our family. While we’ve done everything, we can manage our resources, we are now in a season of waiting and trusting.

We are humbly reaching out to our village for assistance during this challenging time. Below are ways you can support us if you feel led to help.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide, whether through giving, sharing, or keeping us in your prayers. We trust that God will continue to provide for our family, and we appreciate your kindness and generosity more than words can express.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Job Loss

General Support

Surgery / Injury

Medical

Tenelle Thomas

We need our Village's love and support during Recovery for Tenelle and Troderick (TJ)

email-address

first-name

last-name

customer-logo-url

email-message

Email Delivery

Spreadsheet Delivery

With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

DoorDash

DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

Spreadsheet Download

Email

What is the best gift anytime? A Target eGift Card. With no fees and no expiration dates, the real question is: who couldn't use a gift card from Target?
Why We Love This Gift: Whether as a baby gift or to replenish supplies around the house, to cheer up a sick kid, or help someone with prescription costs, you can almost always find exactly what you need at Target. We love this gift because it enables your recipient with endless options and the ability to purchase precisely what they need - no questions asked.
What To Say In Your Card: I thought this might come in handy. I am sending you so much love!

Target

Target - Target Gift Card

This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart

Walmart - Walmart Gift Card

<a href="https://instacart.oloiyb.net/c/1246143/413183/7412" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instacart</a> is a grocery delivery service that delivers in as little as an hour. They connect you with Personal Shoppers in your area who pick up and deliver your groceries from your favorite local stores.
Why We Love This Gift: Shopping for groceries is a chore under the best of circumstances. For families facing a new lift event or crisis, it is very often incredibly stressful. The gift of a cupboard full of basic necessities is tremendous. It is a wonderful way to remind those you love that you have not forgotten the day-to-day challenges they face. You are telling them in no uncertain terms that they are not alone.
What to Express in Your Card: I was thinking about the things you have to get done every day. I hope you'll let me help a little by giving me a chance to buy you some groceries - and have them delivered to you. Just one lest task for you to worry about. I send you my love.

Instacart

Instacart - Instacart Gift Card

image-1

image (1)

logo-8

logo

Give InKind

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

digital-hospitai

digital hospitai

temporaryheadshot

Tara Shafer

Helping loved ones recover after surgery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for concrete suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and support to those in need of help.

How To Support Loved Ones Post-Op

Post op recovery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for specific suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and assistance in times of need.

Author Pamela Stockwell, photographed by daughter Kiana Stockwell

pamela-stockwell-2

Pamela Stockwell

Author Pamela Stockwell shares her experience becoming a living organ donor for a fellow writer, whom she's never even met in-person!

"My Kidney's Going to California!" A Living Organ Donor Story

One year ago this month, in March 2021, my daughter and I drove to South Carolina to see my dad. At one point, she was driving, so I checked Facebook to while away the time and I see that my friend and fellow writer Kelly Hartog had posted a plea for a kidney. I knew [&hellip;]

Search

We need our Village's love and support during Recovery for Tenelle and Troderick (TJ)'s Wishlist

Wishlist