Need assistance to pay a debt

I am at a point where I feel I need to seek some financial assistance.

My dear husband passed away from very aggressive lung cancer this past September at the age of 54. He became sick in June and was firmly diagnosed at the end of July. The cancer grew through 2 rounds of ineffective chemo.

We were fortunate in having the time and circumstances where I could care for him at home, and we counted our blessings for the all the love we had and continue to have around us through good friends & family. My husband was quite the character with a never-ending sense of humor and so many talents it's difficult to count them all. The kindness and acceptance of others emanated from his whole being, and he was instantly welcomed by virtually all who met him. He was quiet and reserved, but always quick to offer assistance when someone needed help. He emanated a strength through his character that even his friends came to rely on. He is terribly missed.

My husband and I were enjoying semi-retirement. He worked for a local company for 30 years upon his retirement and was fortunate to enjoy his retirement for 5 years before he died. My request is for assistance is to pay off a no-interest debt on which he borrowed against as a result of the market decline. We were losing substantial amounts of money in the retirement account investments, and this seemed to be the most reasonable option. We had been maintaining quite well prior to the market decline. We are not extravagant, and were living within our means. We hoped and anticipated that the market would turn around by now, but as many of us know, this has not been the case.

The debt on the account I am seeking help with is just under $9K. It is currently set at 0% interest, but will change to 14.99% at the first of February. This change will be just enough to put my finances into a tailspin.

I do have other debt, and of course household expenses. I can manage those, and have eliminated one expense and nearly have one card paid off. With the $9k debt paid, I would have only one credit account left which I can manage now and in the future.

I am an independent and responsible person, so writing this request is quite humbling and uncomfortable for me. Any small amount ($1-$2) will help significantly and be sincerely appreciated.

I wish to thank in advance anyone who is willing to donate some dollars toward this account.