We are asking for your help today for our dear friend Carol Pettigrew, who was just diagnosed with active multiple myeloma, a treatable blood cancer. The need is urgent. Not only because of the diagnosis, but the circumstances described below.

First, it’s an honor to just take a moment to appreciate who Carol is -- and acknowledge she was one of Origin's original community members in 2005. We know many of you will agree that Wikipedia's best friend definition should have a picture of Carol Pettigrew! She embodies the true essence of loyalty and friendship, even in the most practical ways. Carol is the person who initiates, calls, texts, and stays in touch without excuse -- no matter the time or distance.

Carol is the one who arranges coffee dates, lunches, birthday celebrations, baby showers, engagement parties. She is the first one you would call in a crisis; the person you know you can share life’s victories and defeats with. She celebrates you, comforts you, and cares for you – in good times and bad.

Carol’s humble, gentle and sweet friendship has been a treasure to so many over the years, and now she needs our help and prayers:

Carol’s husband Dennis moved from their home in Beaumont, Texas to start a new job in St. Augustine, Florida three weeks ago. The plan has been for Carol to hang back with her 6-year old daughter Lily for a few weeks to finish up school and help transition out of their current home.

Suddenly, the Pettigrews find themselves in an unexpected scenario; one that’s put Carol in the hospital at a time when Dennis can’t be there, and the family’s new health insurance plan doesn’t begin until February of 2017. Although they have an interim plan, it doesn’t cover most of the expenses they anticipate, including around $30,000 of chemo treatments over the next 2 months. Most of the medical costs are still unknown.

Furthermore, financial requirements for immediate interim child care, moving costs, and rental costs for their new home in Florida now must hinge on a single income. The good news is there is a GoFundMe account that is actively raising money for medical expenses (raising over $20k within the first two days of it's launch is a testament to Carol as an amazing individual and friend). Our goal of raising $5k through the Origins campaign is focused on covering at least 8 weekend's worth of travel costs for Dennis to visit his wife and daughter in this challenging time.

Carol and Dennis are loyal and loving friends to so many. Our prayer is that during this crisis season of their lives, we can all pitch in to support them with financial assistance, prayers, and written messages of love and encouragement.

Will you please help, even in this very moment? Any amount is appreciated -- and your giving and sharing of this page could go a very long way (imagine if 200 people gave just $20). We send our love and appreciation to you and yours.