A Photojournalist in Need

I was laid off unexpectedly from my staff position as a photojournalist at The Southern Illinoisan January 31, 2018. I was given no advance warning, and had no idea that this was going to happen. The lay off was immediate upon them telling me. I had no time to prepare. The reason given was company finances. I have worked for The Southern Illinoisan for three years. I have been a photojournalist all my adult life. 

Upon being released I had to turn in my company equipment. Because the paper supplied my camera equipment, and because I was paid such a low salary, my personal camera gear is woefully outdated. 

I intend to continue my work as a photojournalist as a freelancer. I have long term stories I am looking to work on and also have daily news and sports photography assignments lined up. 

To compete in today's competitive photography field you must have the latest digital gear, which is very expensive. Because I specialize in sports, I need fast lenses and long glass. Any look at my work online one can see my proficiency at the use of this equipment. The gear is just tools to create images, but to create professional images and make a living as a photographer, one needs professional gear. 

This fund raiser will help me get back on my feet and get back to work after this unexpected layoff. I am need of a DSLR camera body and long glass and other related photo gear. 

I also need money to create a PhotoShelter site to display my work online so as to market myself to top photo editors. 

I would not be asking for assistance if this had not happened so suddenly, leaving me unprepared and deep in debt. Please assist me as you can to help me continue my work as a photojournalist. Thank you.