Although we have kept her name out of this story to respect her privacy, if you know her, then you know that she has spent her life caring for other people's brains and their mental health. She has been an amazing source of insight and support for countless people at the toughest times of their lives. She is the friend you call when you’re having your worst day. But as a single mom of 8-year-old twins who survived cancer and neurosurgery five years ago, she is not lacking for her own personal challenges; she's now having her worst day, so we're putting out the call on her behalf. 

While struggling through home schooling as a single parent during a pandemic, she began experiencing worsening neurologic changes following a series of medication changes; attempts to address these through further med changes was not helping and the more specialized neuro-rehabilitation care she needs has long waitlists. She was working to get this care lined up, but in March she lost her job unexpectedly, and the. loss of income exacerbated an already difficult situation. And if that wasn’t enough, in July she learned her lease would not be renewed and she had to move by the end of August – an issue in any environment but particularly difficult in a housing market that is incredibly tight.

As difficult as it can be to ask for help, we are glad she did and we are doing everything we can to get her the medical attention she needs, support her family’s day-to-day demands while she gets healthy, and find a long-term housing situation that provides her family the stability they deserve and need in order to thrive.

Although things are changing quickly, we are currently finalizing treatment plans. She has been accepted into an intensive 60-day outpatient program in California that specializes in neuro-rehabilitation and complex medical cases like hers. This is undoubtedly what is best for her medically and we are committed to do everything we can to get her there, allow her to focus on treatment, and leave the worrying about things back home to us. While the program itself should largely be covered by insurance, lodging is not, so we are working to find affordable housing for her while she is there.

We are working on a childcare plan to ensure her kids enjoy the remainder of their summer and make a smooth transition back to school in her absence.

We are working to find a stable living situation for her to come back to. She and her kids have had extensive loss and change in recent years and had finally found a school where both kids are thriving – we are doing everything we can to try to keep that element stable, which requires staying in Burlington.

We could really use your help accomplish these goals and encourage you to share it with people you know and trust. We are of course grateful for any support you can give, and if you feel more comfortable doing so directly please don't hesitate to reach out to Kate, Jess, or Kai directly to coordinate. And thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU.

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Every person has their darkest days
And storms rage in every life
But the strongest roots get stronger still
From battling the strife

The tears will come, the anger too
Coupled with a fear you’ll come undone
But branches bend, and rain is good
Just keep looking for the sun
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~krs~