UPDATE .... UPDATE .... UPDATE 5/6/26

Dear Friends & Supporters,

I’m writing with an important update—and some good news.

After initially being denied, my insurance company has now determined that they will cover the cost of the fire damage, with the exception of my $250 deductible.

Because of this, I want to be fully transparent and give each of you a choice regarding your generous donation.

If you would like a refund, I will gladly return your contribution, minus the standard processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction), which are retained by the payment processor and not returned when refunds are issued.

If you prefer to leave your donation as is, I would receive that with deep gratitude—it would help me maintain some financial stability at this time as I move forward.

Unfortunately, GoFundMe does not allow me to contact donors directly. If you would like a refund, please reply to the “thank you” message you received from the platform, or contact me directly at and include your name and donation details so I can process your request. To help me manage this process, I kindly ask that any refund requests be made by May 18. After that date, I will assume that donations are intended as support. (The system will not allow sharing my email address, so contact me on Instagram or Facebook @ArtistSoulSpeaks.)

Please let me know your preference, and I will take care of it.

Thank you again for your kindness, your generosity, and for showing up for me when I needed it. It truly meant more than I can express.

With deep gratitude,

Zelda

A 75th Birthday I Never Expected: A Big Bill After a Freak Apartment Fire—Can You Help?

Hello Friends & Supporters, I’m reaching out with a difficult and unexpected situation. On September 26, 2025, I had a small stovetop fire in my apartment. By a strange accident, some pots were pushed back on the stove and pressed against the burner knob, turning it on without my knowledge. The heat built up until the plastic handles caught fire. Thankfully, I was not hurt, and the fire was contained—but my stove and microwave were both destroyed.

When maintenance came to assess the damage, I was given the impression it would be “chalked up to the ‘shit happens’ department,” and that I would not be charged. Then, on **April 2026—seven months later—**I received a bill from my landlord, RUPCO, to replace the appliances. It became clear there had been a miscommunication—I understood I wouldn’t be responsible, but RUPCO determined otherwise. Receiving that bill months later felt devastating. I appealed, but the decision was upheld, and I am now responsible for the full amount.

I live on a very limited Social Security income that already does not cover my basic monthly expenses, and I have no savings to fall back on. This unexpected bill puts me in a very real financial crisis. My 75th (!!!) birthday is coming up on May 25, and I never imagined I would be in a position like this—but I am asking, humbly, for help. If you’re able to contribute—even a small amount—it would mean so much to me. Truly, it would be a birthday gift I will never forget. Thank you for reading, and for caring—and if you’re not able to give, sharing this would also help more than you know.

With love and gratitude, Zelda