A Mother's Need: A Marine Tries to Help His Mom Save Her Home

Two and a half years ago, Lance Cpl. Christopher Mann came home from war in Afghanistan. The people of Chicago Heights welcomed him home with loving arms, cheers, a parade and dedicated that day, March 2, 2012, in his honor — Christopher Mann Day.

He joined the Marines for his country. And now, he needs to help his mom, a woman who faced her own mighty struggle while he was overseas. And he’s running out of time.

Here, in Mann’s own words, is his story, as told on Go Fund Me, about why he needs your help:

Due to a long series of unfortunate events, my mother is currently in a massive property tax debt, a burden that was left on her as a result of her divorce. Right now the debt sits at $24,025, she has saved up $5,000 towards it along with an additional $1,000 I have given her. She does not currently have the means to pay this remaining amount of $18,025 by the end of the year. If these back property taxes are not paid in full, an individual is able to purchase the delinquent property taxes and own the house.

I have never been one to ask for help from others, a trait I inherited from my mother. She recently told me about this problem after she has attempted to take care of it on her own, being the independent woman she is. Because of the divorce, the legal and medical debts it has left her with, she was unable to pull out a loan like she hoped. I am hoping to help reduce this debt in any way that I can, with a lowered amount needed she may be able to pull out a loan for a smaller amount. She has done everything in her power to help keep the house for my siblings and herself and is in need of a helping hand.

Since I was a child, my mother has always been the type of woman to place others needs before her own. For 13 years she helped abused and neglected children find sanctuary through foster care in our house. This was no easy task as many of these children had endured years of physical and emotional abuse from the ones who were supposed to love them the most, their parents. As a result these children faced a lifetime of handicaps including behavior and psychological problems, eating disorders, and even paralysis. After being unable to physically bear any more children, my mother decided to adopt my two younger brothers and sister, and have the family she longed for. Not long after my father became abusive, or maybe I was just finally at the age (7) to identify it. Our mother was being physically and emotionally destroyed daily before our eyes. The abuse continued for some time before she was able to file for a divorce, hoping to finally put an end to her pain. Unfortunately, the divorce was not as quick as one would expect, as my father continued to prolong the process through greed and an opportunity to continue hurting my mother.

After 10 years and thousands of dollars in legal fees, the divorce was finalized and my mother was able to continue on with her life. Due to medical problems (still facing) with her knee caused by the abuse, my mother was unable to work and has undergone countless surgeries and procedures to rectify the years of damage. The divorce left her with huge amounts of medical, legal, and now property tax debts. She is pouring her last bit of money to help save the house for my younger siblings and herself. As a single mother she is the most inspirational woman I have ever met. Despite the continuous turmoil, she has always found a way to stay positive and humble. I am hoping to help her get back on her feet and provide some much needed financial and emotional support.

To date, $4,935 has been raised through a Go Fund Me page. Visit the page to learn how you can help.