A Humble Request for Help to get back on the road

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Souls,

It’s incredibly difficult for me to ask for help, but I find myself in a situation where I have no other option. I’m reaching out because my beloved little Fiat, the one I rely on for my photography work and as a means of evacuating myself and my four cats and one old dog in case of emergency, has broken down. The clutch and gears are completely gone, and without it, I’m unable to work, travel, or even have peace of mind knowing I could get to safety in an emergency.

As many of you know, I live in a fire-prone area, and right now, as I await evacuation notices with anxiety, I have no way to transport myself or my animals to safety should the fires get closer. I use my car for work, driving between Big Bear and San Diego, and it’s become my lifeline. Without it, I can’t do the work that supports me, and more importantly, I can’t get my precious pets to safety if disaster strikes.

My mechanic, who’s a good man, has quoted me $1,300 to repair the car. While that’s a bit of a relief compared to what it could have been, it’s still a large sum that I simply don’t have right now. I'm not fully back in business as a photographer until March, and funds are incredibly tight.

I’m throwing myself on the mercy of my community—people who know me and understand how much I rely on my car. If you can spare even a small amount, it would make all the difference in getting me back on the road and allowing me to work, while also giving me the peace of mind that I can get myself and my animals out of harm’s way in case of an emergency.

As a small token of my appreciation, anyone who donates $50 or more will receive a print of one of my photographs. Just let me know which one you'd like, and I’ll mail it to you as a thank you.

I understand times are tough for everyone, but anything you can contribute would mean the world to me and my fur family. You’ve always been there for me, and I’m so incredibly grateful for any support you can offer during this challenging time.

With love, humility, and endless gratitude,

Sarah Jane Hardt & my beloved crew: Finlay, The Twins, Burnie & Chaplin, and my OG girls Missy and Francesca

P.S. I’ve attached photos of my animals, who are very much a part of this journey, along with the mechanic’s quote. Please know that your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️