My name is May (aka Mayday)
HELP US REBUILD HEALTH AND STABILITY – MAYDAY
For many years we have supported others — building networks, maintaining websites and communication platforms, helping artists, communities and humanitarian initiatives in Belgium and abroad, often quietly behind the scenes.
Today, our family finds itself at a turning point where we need help rebuilding health, stability and security.
Over the past years we have faced a combination of serious challenges. I am living with late-stage Lyme disease and ongoing health complications, combined with a long recovery period after the Covid years. This has had a major impact on my health, energy and ability to work normally.
During the Covid years, lockdowns and related measures had a major impact on our lives, work and financial stability. Like many others, we experienced the long-term consequences of a period in which professional activities, self-employment opportunities, social contacts and normal income streams were severely disrupted.
The effects of those years did not disappear when the restrictions ended. For our family, they were followed by health challenges, administrative difficulties, financial pressure and a long road towards recovery.
At the same time, our family has been deeply affected by the loss of Wolf's mother. Navigating grief while trying to maintain stability, support one another and continue daily life has not been easy.
Because of my health situation, I am currently on medical leave with a limited income. Rising living costs, utility bills and everyday expenses have placed increasing pressure on our household.
For more than 1.5 years we have also been trying to resolve administrative and legal issues concerning the calculation of benefits and income-related entitlements. We believe errors were made in the assessment of our situation, resulting in significantly lower support than we should have received.
The consequences have been far-reaching. Due to ongoing financial pressure and delays in obtaining a resolution, Sven was no longer able to maintain his own housing situation. As a result, much of the financial responsibility for our household, utilities and daily expenses ended up being carried through accounts and contracts registered in my name.
Despite numerous letters, objections, requests for review and contacts with various authorities and institutions, the situation remains unresolved. While part of the disputed amounts is now being reviewed, we are still facing the prospect of further legal proceedings in order to obtain a full and fair resolution.
Pursuing these matters requires extensive documentation, time, energy and legal assistance, including possible representation before the Labour Court.
The financial and emotional impact of these ongoing challenges affects our entire family.
At the same time, we continue to support and develop MAYDAY, a grassroots initiative built around community, solidarity, culture, humanitarian support and helping people reconnect through practical action.
We are also trying to continue building and supporting a community-based initiative in Kinshasa, focused on solidarity, stability, education, wellbeing, practical support and rebuilding opportunities for families and local communities.
For our family, this project is not only humanitarian. It is also connected to the hope of creating a healthier and more sustainable future after years of health challenges, financial pressure and administrative struggles in Belgium.
We increasingly feel that rebuilding our lives, stability and wellbeing may ultimately require a different environment and a fresh start, where community, mutual support and practical cooperation remain central values.
Despite everything, we continue trying to move forward and transform difficult experiences into something constructive and meaningful for both our family and others around us.
Funds raised will help us cover:
• basic living expenses and financial stability
• electricity, water and heating costs
• medical examinations, treatments and recovery support
• phone, internet and computer expenses
• administrative and legal costs
• legal assistance and representation concerning social security and labour matters
• maintaining a stable and secure home environment
• supporting our family through this difficult period
• continuing humanitarian and community-building projects whenever possible
In order to create financial breathing space and reduce outstanding debts, we will also gradually be selling part of our household contents and personal belongings.
Anyone interested will be welcome to collect items in Bruges. Over the coming weeks, we will prepare and publish a list of furniture, household goods, equipment, books, decorative items, art-related materials and other items that may be available.
For those who prefer not to make a donation, purchasing an item or helping us find new homes for these belongings is another practical way to support our family during this difficult period.
This fundraiser is not only about illness.
It is about rebuilding stability after years of health challenges, personal loss, financial pressure and administrative struggles.
It is about creating enough breathing space to recover, regain independence and move forward again.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference.
Every donation, purchase, recommendation or share helps us move one step closer to financial stability, reducing debts, covering essential expenses and ensuring that we can continue providing food, housing and basic security for our family while rebuilding our future.
If you are unable to donate, simply sharing this page can help us tremendously.
Thank you for your kindness, support and belief in better days ahead.
With sincere gratitude,
May, Sven, Kiki & Wolf
MAYDAY
https://www.maydayscuriousgallery.be/who-s-may/3074663_lyme-belgium-followthemoney-pharma-corona-businessmodel
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