Hi, my dearest friends. This is the last thing I want to do, but here I am. I need your help. I wouldn't ask if it weren't absolutely 100% dire. I live a simple life in service, but I am tapped out. Completely. Not energy-wise. That I have plenty of and then some. But the bank account. It is and has been tapped out. So here I am.

People have been very kind to me, and there are so many who need help, as we watch people struggle around the world, that I feel ashamed for asking, but I can't do this without y'all. My head hasn't been above water for awhile, and I have kept pushing through. I am asking you to be my life vest while I try to rebuild a life.

I am striving to build a freelance editing/proofreading/writing coach life, and that takes time. So does the financial turnaround. It's overwhelming, understatement. I've been trying to do this with only a cellphone. That makes it tough. An additional hurdle.

I am asking for funds to meet my monthly expenses for the next three months, but also these funds will help me to continue offering assistance in my little community, and I would like to see this as the beginning of something really good. Something that reaches outward and touches lives.

Yes, many of you may have seen my taking in the pregnant dog and her subsequent eleven puppies. And before that a neighbor's sick dog. No, this is not solo work. It has taken a village. Animal rescue always does. But there is so much more behind the scenes. Late night WhatsApp messages from someone whose pet is in crisis. A call about how to help some injured or orphaned wildlife. Translating for friends. Can I petsit? Do I know who to reach out to about such-and-such? Can I help. I always try. The local vet knows...she is on my speed-dial so to speak. We save lives.

If I have veterinary supplies - antibiotics, flea/tick meds, wormers, pain meds - I share them. No, that's not a way to get financially ahead, but it's always been how I walk this life. And if a human needs help, and I can do something, I am there. You can count on me.

To be honest, I would love to be the rescuer and community advocate full time. The rescue work I've been a part of these past few months has nourished my soul. I have made beautiful connections with people in my community, and we would be a stronger community if I could shift into this as a primary focus. I have been reminded of when this was my life in North Carolina. I ran a rescue when I was a single mom, and then I pivoted to be a better mom partly because my son was struck with a serious chronic disease, which we eventually overcame with a lot of serious medical intervention. Now I have an empty nest and all this freaking love...and life experience...to give.

I also truly love supporting people with their writing and creativity. I'm not much for living life in one box...I want more boxes...to build bridges. To help someone find the words they want to say, I am here for that.

Tending my little patch of precious earth, the ecosystem, I am here for that.

So I am asking you to help. Help me meet my frugal monthly expenses. Help me restock on supplies that help both people and animals. A jug of Betadine and a couple bottles of Chlorhexidine for wound care. Some antibiotics and Meloxicam for infections and pain, and, oh my goodness, flea meds please. Help me get this litter of puppies fully vaccinated so they can have good lives with their new families, who face their own financial struggles. Help me have a chance to regain my footing. I don't know what that feels like anymore. It's been such a long time.

Please know I am here to help you too. If I can offer you anything that falls within my skills, ask. I have degrees and experience and a big heart. I'm almost always a message away unless the power is out or the wifi down.

Thank you for being my village. I mean that. Thank you for seeing me and loving me and being my friend. Thank you for listening. Thank you for being here for me when I am down.

Love,

Chandra