Maine Mom’s Holiday Heartbreak Ignites Community’s Generosity

You know that feeling when someone stays with you long after your conversation ends?

That’s exactly what happened with one young woman here in Maine and myself.

I spoke with her a week ago now, and I still haven’t been able to stop thinking about her and what happened in her life recently. 

I have been carrying the painful reality of Courtney Thoits not only in my mind, but mostly in my heart since our talk.

Her life is a reminder of truth and how powerful that truth is.  

It all began with Courtney being nominated as a recipient of our Secret Santa Helper program whereas you nominate someone in your life that you believe deserves a little extra financial help this holiday season. Courtney’s sister, Trisha nominated her saying:

“I nominate my sister Courtney Thoits, her husband had been battling cancer and sadly this morning at a little after 12 am, he passed away. He is leaving behind, my beautiful sister, and 3 children ages 7,9,and 14. They sure could use some holiday cheer.  Thank you and Merry Christmas” 

Ryan had passed away after a brave battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

He leaves behind his wife Courtney, Emma, 14, Peyton, 9, and Luke, 7 years old.

A young family, in the prime of their journey through life, tragically ripped apart by this unforgiving disease. 

And as of right now, Christmas is just days away. Unimaginable.

I called Courtney to deliver the news that she won $200 through our program and when I shared the news, I asked about her husband, Ryan Thoits.

What followed next was raw. One of the most raw conversations I’ve had in a while.

We both cried. There was no script, the radio polish of it all just melted away and left two human beings connecting on a pure and horrific level. That call stayed with me all night and the days that have followed since. 

And now, I am here, sitting at my keyboard trying to do more.  

The day after the phone call, I played it on air with Courtney's blessing and the response was overwhelming.

A listener named Amanda called straight away to say she had lost her spirit this season, until she heard Courtney’s story. She felt called to help.

Soon after, someone from the children’s school called to share the family’s GoFundMe.

A Mom, Three Kids, and the Power of Community

The charity has been up for a while and they have raised over $50,000, a pure testament to the power of community.  

The announcement of Ryan's passing on December 8th came with a photo of Courtney holding Ryan's hand and the following passage:

"It is with complete heartbreak and profound sadness that we announce Ryan Thoits passed away last night 12/8/25 at 12:01 with his wife by his side. With Courtney’s permission we have decided to update all the donors as well as the fund page. Ryan’s number one priority was taking care of his family - and today I want to honor his wish by doing just that. My deepest condolences to all of those who love Ryan and hold him close. He was so grateful to you all - please help me honor him by continuing to share, donate, and send your love and support to the Thoits family during this time. We thank you deeply."

When I buried my sister a couple short years ago, I felt the weight of the pain and the expenses. Funerals, burials.. death is not cheap. Although $50,000 seems like a lot, it’s really not compared to the amount of debt this family may face.

If you are able, please considering donating to their GoFundMe, even the smallest act changes things. 

If you really think about it, Courtney is all of us. Just a parent, doing her best, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Facing a storm many of us know all too well and many of us fear the most. She’s the person who’s struggle is quiet while patching it all together.

She’s breathing, but only because she knows she has 3 children to give comfort, stability, and joy to, even through this.

Her story is all of ours. If you can help, please do.