My name is John McDole, and I'm reaching out to you for a dear friend, a person I met 50 years ago in college and care about deeply--Judith Holtz. This new year has been an especially tough one for her as she struggles with health issues--arthritis especially. In the past few years, she's worked as a barista at a local supermarket, and the daily pain she suffers she doesn't speak about often, but it's debilitating. Judith doesn't have any retirement funds other than a meager Social Security benefit, so not working is just not an option for her.

She moved near Seattle and found this job after she was aged out of the social services agencies she'd worked at in Los Angeles for over 20 years. Working as a barista isn't ideal for someone with Judith's skills, but it pays the rent, keeping a roof over her head and putting food on the table, even as her body feels the stress of hours on her feet serving her customers. As a social worker, Judith was recognized for developing peer training programs to help her clients find work, treatment and housing--folks who were among the most vulnerable.

Sadly, a few weeks ago she was with a friend, carrying bags, and missed a poorly lit stair step causing her to fall to the ground, badly bruising her knee (or so she thought). She was in such pain and so disoriented, her friend had to call paramedics to help get her back on her feet. Over the next week, the bruising on her leg became worse, and you can imagine the pain made time on her feet at work excruciating.

After a few more days Judith finally got in to see the doctor, had X-rays taken, and they discovered she'd actually fractured the fibula in her left leg! Thankfully it didn't require surgery or a cast (so far), but to be able to heal she has to stay off her leg except for briefs periods, so she's unable to work.

The time off work with no sick leave (she'd already exhausted what little she had when she developed a severe kidney infection several months ago), no paycheck, mounting bills, auto tires that need replaced to get through the Seattle winter, and the day-to-day expenses put Judith in a critical financial situation. It's one that many of us can understand all too well if we've been through a difficult medical or personal challenge with little or no resources to keep our heads above water.

Judith has calculated that she'll need $2,300 to get her through this period of recuperation and be able to keep her housing, utilities and necessities paid until she can return to work. That's why I'm making this appeal on her behalf, asking you to bring a little piece of mind to my pal in this most trying time. I would love for you to join me and contribute what you can to help out. These days, with all that is happening around us, it can seem like there's no way to make a difference in the world, but there is always something, be it big or small.

Thank you, THANK YOU...whether you chip in $100 or more, $20, $5, or whatever you can afford, your help is SO appreciated! And if you aren't able to make a donation, please keep Judith in your thoughts, sending her healing energy and a virtual hug to brighten her day...I know she'll feel it!