Rebecca Rush Profeta is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Something horrible happened to her this week.

She came home from a 3 day art show to find the police at her home. Her husband had passed away in their home...probably just several hours after she left for the art show. Her husband, Joe had a heart attack on Thursday, and wasn't found until Monday afternoon.

The police took him [and their bed] away and a hasmat crew is trying to "clear the air" in their house.

This is a couple who were living hand to mouth... after the crash in '08, they found they were upside down on their mortgage. He was 64 and had not been able to find much work over the last few years...until this past May. They've been living on whatever pension and savings they had - which is gone. She's not in debt, and this is not a luxurious home, either  [it's probably worth 80K] but she doesn't even have the money to replace her bed right now! 

Because of the odor in the home, she will have to dispose of or professionally clean a lot of items. Other than that...most of her art supplies [paper and fabric] have been compromised and can't be used.

There is no life insurance, and she will have to eventually leave the house - without an extra income, she probably can't afford to live there. She has been making some money painting, doing repair work, and of course, making her hand made books and journals. She is 59.

This is her site... http://www.rebeccarushdesigns.com/index.html.

I doubt if she would qualify for the CERF funding - I am willing to help her financially - but I thought I might also come to the community to see if anyone feels like they can kick in a few bucks to help her replenish her paper stock or a place to lay her head.

I found out her paypal account is rjrush1@gmail.com and her mailing address is: Rebecca Profeta, 1022 E. Weldon, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Thanks

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  • Here is an update on Rebecca - https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.r.profeta She's in NY today for Joe's memorial service [his kids are there] https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.r.profeta?fref=ts  that will take place today and tomorrow. She'll be back on Saturday and will be sending everyone a note. in the next week.

    As it is now - she still doesn't have a death certificate [it took a long time to ID the body - isn't that terrible?] so can't access any of his "stuff." She's been able to hold it together thanks to close friends and family - and a community of strangers - you guys!

    So, thanks to all of YOU - who have responded so kindly - she's been able to fly to his memorial, replace her bed, she is going to be able to pay her mortgage for a few months, she was able to to stay at a motel while the hasmat team cleaned her house. She was able to salvage 250 pounds of clothing and household items like sheets and towels by having them professionally cleaned.

    She has even gotten supplies from some of you!

    I am so proud of this community. Please send me a message if you have any questions. And hold tight until next week.

  • Sandhi, let me know about fabric needs, too.  Won't be hard to get a package off to her when she's ready.

  • I used the email address listed on Rebecca's website to offer fabric and art supplies. I haven't heard back, which is not surprising considering how swamped she must be right now. Sandhi, if you can give me some ideas on what she can use, I'll get a CARE package in the mail. My email address is leslieturner63@att.net.

  • I just read this post and cant imagine what was the shock Rebecca has to go through. I wish her the best and will definitely help. Everyone of us can give something and this can safe her and give a bust in this terrible time of her life.  Good luck Rebecca!

  • Here is a mailing address for Rebecca Profeta: 1022 E. Weldon, Phoenix, AZ 85014

  • http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?pid=171742316 This is Joe's obit, just in case anyone was concerned about the validity of the story. This is Rebecca's page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.r.profeta.

    Thank you everyone... I am glad to know my friend can stay in her home for the next few month thanks to your generosity alone!

  • Sandhi, I sent her what I could.  I hope you can help her access her PayPal funds.  I also think the fundraiser idea is great.  It opens it up to wider circles and often strangers will respond.  My husband had a heart attack last August when I was between two shows in Maine; he nearly died but got to the hospital and is now fine.  Since then, though, my neighbors have a key to my house.  This is "cow out of the barn" stuff, but a lot of us are older and we have these potential situations in our lives.  I call my husband twice a day when I'm away.  I always have.  My prayers are with Rebecca in her terrible situation.

  • I too used Paypal...

  • I just sent a small donation to Rebecca's PayPal account.  What a horrible situation she's in!  I'm so glad she has such a good friend to help her at this time.

    Denise

    www.designsxdenise.etsy.com

  • BTW - here it is Monday - must say this, although it is really odd... Joe Profeta does not have an obit yet, nor has Rebecca posted anything on Facebook [that's not like her].

    Joe had not been identified as of yesterday, as they were waiting for dental records. So there is no death certificate or obituary, but I will share asap.

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