Please consider supporting the needs of a local family this holiday season

To the editor:

First, let me apologize for the impersonal letter about a real heartfelt matter. Next, thank you for taking a few minutes to read and decide how it is best for you to respond to this request.

In way of introductions, in the event you do not know me, my name is Robert Henderson and I have lived in Lincoln for the past 30 years. For the first 22 years, I was the minister of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln and served as the Chaplain at Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Today, I serve on staff at First Christian Church of Decatur and am the director of community Chaplaincy services. I have been active in the Boy scouts, the West Lincoln Broadwell school board, the Ministerial alliance and many civic organization and services.

My heart has been touched, as has many others, regarding a local family. Miss Devyn Eustis was diagnosed with ALS over a year ago. I had the privilege of baptizing Devyn twelve years ago when she was 10 years of age. Currently, she lives with her parents Lori and Chris Eustis in the small village of Lawndale. They are both caregivers and advocate for Devyn in her struggle against this debilitating non-curable illness sometimes referred as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Devyn continues to fight hard and is now equipped with assistive communication devices and a power wheelchair. Her parents have diligently retrofitted their home with ramps and soon a new walk in bathroom so that Devyn can stay in their care. It is for this reason that I write to you.

Chris and Lori have stretched their limited income in remarkable ways to provide for the costs needed for care, yet the future will hold even more costs. In this way, the walk in shower will be finished in a matter of weeks, but the estimated final cost of $11,000 will be a deep burden for this family.

It is my hope that we as a community can alleviate this concern so that the family can better focus on the daily caregiving needs that are present. Thus, I am asking you to consider a gift towards this audacious $11,000 goal.

An account has been set up at CEFCU (account #1731823 ), Raising Hope for Devyn-and transparency will be ensured by Jennifer Gillum-Account specialist at CEFCU, and Ted Awe-retired Senior VP at State Bank of Lincoln. For accountability, each donor will receive an acknowledgment of their gift (unless given anonymously) and, if requested, an account activity statement at years end. The monies will be given in total to Devyn, Chris and Lori on Christmas Eve.

This is the first letter of this kind that I have ever sent out. I send it because my heart continues to be touched by the faith and love of this family. You may give by regular mail to the addresses below, in person at any CEFCU branch, or via Venmo to @Robert-Henderson-42

Thank you for your prayers and generosity

Rev. Dr. Robert Henderson-888 1750th St. Lincoln, Il 62656

Ted Awe-123 Crestwood Lincoln, Illinois 62656

Jennifer Gillum-c/o CEFCU 341 Fifth St. Lincoln, 62656

[Posted November 28, 2022]