Community Support for Ruth’s Recovery Journey

Ruth’s recovery fund pays rent, utilities, and everyday needs while they heal

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9 donors
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$745 raised of 

Community Support for Ruth’s Recovery Journey

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We’re starting this GoFundMe to help Ruth, someone we care deeply about, as they recover from recent back surgeries. The surgeries were necessary, and while it’s a big step toward their healing, the recovery process has been long, painful, and overwhelming—especially without the ability to work as usual. Right now, they’re focused on getting better day by day, but the stress of keeping up with everyday bills has made this already difficult time even harder.

Our hope is to come together as a community to lift some of that weight and help them feel supported while they heal.

Why We’re Asking for Help:

Recovering from back surgery isn’t just physically exhausting—it’s financially stressful, too. While they’re unable to work and regain their strength, expenses like rent, utilities, and basic necessities don’t pause. The pressure of covering these costs has been incredibly tough during a time when rest and recovery should be the only focus.

The funds raised here will help cover:

  • Rent and housing expenses

  • Utilities and essential amenities

  • Everyday living needs during recovery

Any contribution, no matter how small, truly helps and means more than we can express. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page is just as appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read, care, and support during this healing journey.

To those who prefer direct payment outside of Gofundme, below are the names and QR codes of Ruth's Venmo and Cashapp:


More to the story:

The past few months have been really tough for Ruth. While working toward the spinal surgery they need, they’ve also been dealing with serious housing instability. There were some close calls recently, including nearly losing their apartment just days before their SCS trial surgery.

With persistence, support from healthcare resources, and help from an eviction defense lawyer who worked nonstop, Ruth was able to keep their apartment through their surgery recovery.

There have been plenty of obstacles, but Ruth has continued to advocate for themself and prioritize their health. Asking for help isn’t easy, and accepting it can be just as hard. My hope is that we can show up as a community and support Ruth however we can.

Ruth spent over a year advocating for herself to be approved as a candidate for the SCS implant, making this surgery not only a challenge to overcome but also a major milestone worth celebrating.

Thank you so much for being here, for sharing, and for helping.

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Organizer and beneficiary

Mikaela Bailey
Organizer
Portland, OR
Ruth Makinster
Beneficiary

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