GovLoopers rally around family in need

When Antonia Broadwell, wife of former U.S. Geological Survey employee David Broadwell, was diagnosed with a serious form of cancer, the GovLoop community swung into action.

Antonia, who had given birth to triplets just eight months before the diagnosis, would like to spend her remaining months near her family in Slovakia. David hopes to raise $50,000 to build a house there by soliciting 20 donations of $2,500 each.

GovLoop founder Steve Ressler put out an appeal for money to cover one donation. In less than 24 hours, GovLoop members had donated $3,750.

"You crushed our goal of raising $2,500 to help David Broadwell and his wife Antonia battle cancer and build a home in Slovakia where their triplets can grow up near family," Ressler wrote in a post announcing the results. "I always say that you are awesome and that you are rockstars. But this kind of giving is extraordinary proof! I feel so incredibly humbled and blessed to be part of this community."

Ressler urged members to keep donating, as the Broadwells need a total of $50,000. He also urged them to send cards and e-mails with words of encouragement.

To read the full account or help, go to www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/govgives-help-a-govlooper. For an interview with David Broadwell about the situation, go www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/member-of-the-week-david