COLETTE (DEBBIE) FREEDMAN Emergency Fund

This Go Fund Me is to help Colette “Debbie,” too many of you. Sadly, her brother David has been diagnosed with Brain Cancer. He had major brain surgery on September 14th, and they got most of it out, but they have a challenging battle ahead of them, beginning with chemo and radiation.

Every second is precious.

David is the father of two boys, Zac (18) and Dylan (17). He is Sherri's partner, the son of Sharon and Bob Freedman, and Colette’s only sibling. Outside of my own, they make up one of the BEST families I have ever known.

Most of you know me, but just in case, Colette is the sister I never had. We are writing partners, besties and both fiercely co-dependent. I cannot imagine what she is going through. I know that living in California, with Dave being treated and her family on the East Coast, will involve a lot of traveling and care to support him and her family. Meanwhile, she will need help and care for her dogs at home and will miss out on paid work. It will be exhausting and expensive. Short of magically taking her pain away, this was the only thing I could think to do right now, so financial worries don’t have to be additional stress on her.

If I am feeling helpless and grief-stricken, I cannot imagine how Colette and her family are feeling right now. I am asking that you help me try and alleviate at least one aspect of this tragic news and help with some of the inevitable expenses and day-to-day issues that will arise as she spends a lot of time going back and forth between LA and Boston.

Much of her airfare is handled, but there is still: food/groceries, bills, and transportation to and from the airport. She will inevitably miss time from work, which will cause financial stress. She will need to cover dog care when she is gone. Rides to the airport and back will need to be organized. Honestly, money helps all of this, but we will also UPDATE you all HERE with anything specifically needed.

Colette/Debbie is loved by so many of you. I know that you know she is one of the most generous, loving humans ever put on this planet. She loathes the idea of asking for anything and I am bullying her about this right now. (If you know me, you'll get it.) But, I know she is SO LOVED by so many of us, and I hope we can rally around her (and all the Freedmans) in this challenging time.

PLEASE do NOT POST this anywhere as Colette/Debbie is fiercely protective of her brother’s privacy. As the situation develops, many friends and relatives are being appraised of this sensitive, devastating situation on a different timeline. I also ask that you not flood Colette with calls, texts and emails right now as she is processing this in her way. Specific needs will be posted here, and she will also post check-ins and updates. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.