A GoFundMe account has been set up to help recently retired Charis Fellowship pastor and wife, Sam and Betty Baer, battle the devastating effects of toxic mold in the retirement home they recently purchased. (They retired last fall after serving 40 years at Victory Mountain Grace Brethren Church in Dryhill, Ky.)
“After 48 years in ministry, they moved from Southeast Kentucky to Oklahoma for retirement using what meager life savings they had to buy a small home. Having always lived in a parsonage, this was their first home purchase! This home, which seemed to be such a huge blessing, is now dramatically affecting their health after only 8 months of living there. Betty hasn’t been feeling well and has been showing signs of dementia. After many tests, it has been confirmed that she has high levels of toxic mold in her system and it has been traced back to their new home. While Sam hasn’t been showing any signs of mold exposure yet, we know that it is only a matter of time with the levels as high as they are. Toxic mold levels in their house were off the charts when tested by two companies,” says the site, which was set up by family members.
“We just had the home tested on Tuesday and our fears were confirmed that their home has six different places were mold is growing. The worst one being inside the ductwork around the a-coil (which is the air-conditioning unit) so it is constantly blowing moldy air throughout the whole house,” reports their son, Mike. “We are in the process of getting quotes for the professional removal of the mold and remediation process. Our best guess right now is this will cost between $13,000 and $15,000.”
He adds, “Our parents have already spent most of their life savings on the purchase of the small home along with the cost to move and upgrades on the home since they’ve been there. At this point they really need help to raise the funds to help remediate this mold issue.”
“Please help us eliminate this problem for them and get them healthy again!” the site concludes. “We are so thankful for whatever you can give towards this. We know that COVID has left many without jobs or a reduced income. It makes us that much more grateful knowing that some will be giving even in the midst of their need.”
Click here to learn more about this campaign or to contribute.