Cancer, Stroke Survivor Needs Community's Help

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Neighbors are rallying around a 67-year-old resident who has spent her life putting a smile on others' faces while living with a disability for the past four decades.

But now, Pam Richards faces the foreclosure of her home and needs to find the means to pay for daily care.

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"Pam is a long-time resident of our neighborhood, and recently her financial situation has become extremely difficult facing foreclosure and loan repayment that she took last year to avoid the foreclosure. She has no immediate family members, lives alone modestly and her health is deteriorating. She is struggling to cover essential expenses, and her situation has become urgent so that she needs daily care," Otgonchimeg (Oti) Rentsendorj told Patch.

Earlier this week, Rentsendorj and his daughter decided to create a GoFundMe to help Richards raise $45,000 that would go toward covering housing stabilization, provide debt relief and allow her to transition to an assisted living facility.

Earlier this week, Rentsendorj and his daughter decided to create a GoFundMe to help Richards raise $45,000 that would go toward covering housing stabilization, provide debt relief and allow her to transition to an assisted living facility.

"In just a short time, we have already seen support from neighbors and friends, and we are hoping to expand that support through community awareness," Rentesendorj told Patch.

Described as "resilient and kind," Richards was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27 years old. Following surgery, she developed a rare neurological condition called paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, which severely affected her coordination, balance, speech and vision. Almost overnight, she lost the ability to walk and live independently, the GoFundMe explains. She's lived in a wheelchair ever since.

Sadly, Richards' health issues have multiplied over the years. She has since had major surgery and a stroke. She lives alone, since she doesn't have family members around to support her. Her home has fallen into disrepair and isn't safe for her in her wheelchair.

Richards has a mortgage plus additional debt and a home she cannot no longer remain in.

"We are trying to help her transition into an assisted living facility, where she can receive the care, safety and daily support she now needs. However, even if her home is sold, the proceeds will not be enough to cover her debts and long-term care," Rentesendorj said. "Pam has shown incredible strength throughout her life. Now, she needs a community to stand beside her."