What To Know If A Single Parent Gets Sick With Coronavirus

There’s one thought that races through single mom Neferteri Plessy’s head constantly lately: What would happen if I get coronavirus and I can’t take of my kids?

“As a mother, I always think about the needs of my children,” the mom of two boys, ages 13 and 10, and creator of Single Moms Planet, told HuffPost. “But this pandemic has made me think even more about what they’ll need if I’m not there. Who will take care of them? Where will they live? How will their financial needs be met?”

It’s a subject that makes her uneasy, but now, more than ever, Plessy knows it’s important to get personal affairs in order in case of illness or even death.

The stakes seem that much higher when you read stories about single parents who’ve had coronavirus. Take, for instance, the story of Sundee Rutter. The 42-year-old stage 4 breast cancer survivor and single mother of six died from COVID-19 complications on March 16 in Washington state. In the story’s most heartbreaking detail, Rutter had to say goodbye to her kids through walkie-talkie.

“For single parents, it’s a reminder we must be prepared for what may lie ahead,” Plessy said.

It’s an unnerving time for single parents, no doubt, but planning ahead can take some of the stress out of the situation. Below, experts share how divorced or single parents can prepare if they get sick.