Friends and fellow actors Mr. and Mrs. Luke Usher (the name may have inspired Poe's tale "The Fall of the House of Usher") took care of the children during Eliza's illness and many in the Richmond area took an interest in her health. On November 29 of that year, the Richmond Theater announced a benefit performance on her behalf. A local publication, the "Enquirer", reported her need for help: "On this night, "Mrs. Poe", lingering on the bed of disease and surrounded by her children, asks your assistance and "asks it perhaps for the last time"".