Hello! My name is Nik Whitcomb and I am a theatre artist and nonprofit professional. Having worked in this industry for numerous years I have come across many people that have been a beacon in my roughest times. Now the time has come for me to return the favor.

Carla Stillwell has committed her life to building up her community and educating the masses on Black joy and racial equity. What many do not know is that Carla has valiantly done this work while battling a number of chronic illnesses and troubling diagnoses for numerous years.

For the entirety of 2023 Carla shared with me how she just did not feel well nearly every time we talked (which is at least once a week). At the tail end of the year she was rushed to the hospital via ambulance. After spending 6 days in medical care and receiving 3 units of blood she was finally given the diagnosis of Severe Aplastic Anemia which is an extremely rare condition that makes the body make less red blood cells that one needs to survive.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Carla nearly lost her life to this condition. To this day she continues to attend multiple appointments a week, is on over 5 medications, and takes a minimum of 325mg of iron daily. Even her doctors continue to marvel at how she is still with us today.

I would like to provide Carla the ability to take a break and commit the time her doctors are telling her she needs to heal. Today I am reaching to my extended community to make this goal a reality! If you can find it within your heart to provide any support it would be much appreciated! Every penny received will go directly to Carla and allow her the financial security she needs to take time away from various gigs and work to focus on her own well-being and find her new normal with this new diagnosis.

We are also deeply into the Black History Season and the Sacred Season of Carla. I would love nothing more than to provide my theatre mother with this peace of mind for her Carlabration!

Thanks in advance for your consideration!

All love,

Nik Whitcomb