Circle of Care for Kat

Hello friends of Kat! And friends of friends of Kat!

Amazing, wonderful Kat has been having health problems for quite some time. She is currently dealing with acute central nervous system symptoms that are completely debilitating. She is still waiting on a specific diagnosis, but is impacted by systemic body weakness, trembling, involuntary movement, extreme exhaustion/fatigue, and severe headaches. Kat has been unable to walk, and is unable to drive. More support is needed so we are looking to expand Kat’s circle of care.

Kat needs support with meals, cleaning, rides, help with her kids, and financial support as well. Kat is a single mom half time.

Financial support is needed to help with loss of income. Kat has not been able to work since May of 2023 and needs access to healthcare that is not covered by MSP - such as homecare, physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage and a complex chronic care therapist. Kat is also in need of a mobility wheel chair and possibly motorized scooter- an off-road wheel chair would allow Kat to continue to be able to access nature which is so important to Kat. Basic living expenses like food costs, gas and kids clothes are also a consideration.

As you can imagine Kat’s kids have been struggling with these changes as well. Kat would like her kids to be going to counselling. Unfortunately there is a 6 month wait list for kids counselling that is covered by MSP. Kat’s kids need support now and that will be another cost.

Monthly and one-time donations will be gratefully accepted. We picked a number for a goal for this gofundme but the reality is costs will be ongoing. Please feel free to e-transfer directly to Kat (ask organizers for her email if you don’t have already) or through this gofundme page.

If you have availability for needed ongoing support, please look at the list of roles looking to be filled below and let us know by email if there’s a role you can fill. If you feel what you have to offer doesn’t quite fit here, please email the organizers and we will see where your offer can fit.

Kat Support Circle Roles:

Please check in with yourself, your pod, your work, your capacity and be realistic about how you can offer support. Email the organizers through this page, including your name, pronouns, contact number and days available.

Kid Help and Drivers

Kat needs drivers to pick up and drop off her kids at school and other activities (on weeks that she has them). Also play dates on Saturdays and Sundays - or friends to be around and care for her kids- would be so appreciated. If anyone knows a family whose kids go to Alberni Elementary and could help with rides, please be in touch. Rides to and from school is one of the biggest things Kat needs help with. This is needed daily, every other week, and ideally can be a consistent person for the kids.

Drivers Cont’d

People with access to a car who can pick up meals if needed and run car-related errands that may arise. Someone who regularly drives from Port Alberni to Nanaimo (or is willing to) would be so helpful. Kat’s parents have done this drive many, many times for Kat. We are so grateful and we also know that they need a break.

Practical Support Team

People who can offer supportive tasks like making meals, cleaning Kat’s house, grocery shopping, pharmacy stuff, doing and folding laundry, running errands, etc...

Financial

People who can commit to making monthly financial contributions (anything helps, even $30) to help cover the costs of daily living plus medical and wellness expenses. One time donations can also be made on this site or by e-transfer directly to Kat (if you don’t have Kat’s email please message the organizers through this site).

Meals

Meal drop-off for Kat would be so helpful- especially when her kids are with her (every other week). Please email the organizers for food preferences and drop off instructions. Prepared meals that can be frozen would also be very appreciated. Kat cannot pick up meals and there is no food delivery service in Port Alberni.

All Pals

Kat would also love to receive healing prayers and poems and whatever beauty you have to share- Please feel free to send Kat snail-mail that will brighten her days and add to the things she draws from for love and support. Ask organizers for Kat’s address if you don’t have it. Please refrain from offering medical advice and opinions or stories of illness.

Share all the support!

* Ring Theory (Care in, Dump Out)

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/promoting-hope-preventing-suicide/201705/ring-theory-helps-us-bring-comfort-in

*A hypno/guided meditation for relaxation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWXBYQD9Uv0