A Burns Lake family is working to raise money for a man who lost his wife and sole care giver to a mystery illness earlier this month.
Family member, Megan Stratikopoulos says her aunt Shelley was the main financial and home care supporter to her husband Brian Hanson after he loss the use of his legs in an accident years ago.
“Her and my uncle Brian have been together for 20 years. They met when she was 13 and they have been together ever since. In 1997 he was in a truck accident and he loss the use of his legs and it has kind of been a struggle from there on but she stayed with him through everything and did everything for him.”
But she says earlier this month Shelley came down with a stomach ache and hours after being admitted to hospital she passed away, leaving Brian without his life long companion.
“She was his nurse, she was his provider, she was his best friend – she was everything. I mean she did things that most people just couldn’t do and no fault to them, but she did it. And she never once complained. Ever. Ever. Now that she is gone we realize how much she did and how much help he needs – both financially and physically.”
She says now there are living expenses, medical care and ongoing trips to Kelowna Hospital for Brian’s injuries that need to be covered.
Stratikopoulos says basically they need to replace everything Shelley did for Brian.
Anyone who wants to donate can do so at any Bulkley Valley Credit Union or at www.gofundme.com/helpforBrian.