Our dear Isani is a bright and shining light! She is a talented singer/songwriter, an animal lover, and a beloved friend and family member. She recently uprooted her life in North Carolina and migrated to Juneau, AK to be an Auntie to her 4-year-old niece. She’s a loving and sunny presence both in her personal life and professionally, where she has used her magnetic smile and big heart to serve her community all of her life. Now it’s our turn to support her!
Isani has struggled with chronic pain and undiagnosed health conditions for her entire adult life. She finds herself as all too many folks do at the confluence of pain and poverty. She only recently gained access to health insurance through Medicaid, and after over 20 years of emergency room trips, wild goose chases, and medical debt, she has received the necessary care to diagnose her endometriosis. Isani also suffers from debilitating migraines which have worsened to the point of rendering her unable to work in restaurants, a career she has always thrived in. Through working with many talented and committed medical providers, she is finally able to get a handle on her multiple medical conditions and is facing the reality of disability.
Transitioning out of a restaurant career is tricky under the best circumstances, and needless to say is made exponentially more challenging under conditions of chronic illness. However, though working with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Isani has access to accommodations and even further education to assist with this life transition. Isani is confident she can find a job that adapts to her needs, but has been told that it will take 3 to 5 months. Her Unemployment benefits have run out and she has been paying her rent with her credit card while she works towards a new and more sustainable future.
Please consider donating to help our Isani through this difficult time! All funds raised will go to her living expenses and substantial medical bills. Isani is deeply grateful for funds raised and will keep us updated as her situation unfolds.
