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Dear friends, family, and community,
We're asking to be held during a difficult time and be supported.
We're Gabrielle and Damion. Those of you who know us personally know we've been through a lot but have never let it get us down. Harassed in our condominium and forced to move. Sold our home and relocated again after Damion faced discrimination at work.
Even through the struggle, we've always pushed forward and found ways to help others. Housing friends. Taking in animals. Offering resources and time to anyone who needed it.
Last year, we truly believed the hard part was over.
We thought we could finally fully focus on building the life we wanted and help others do the same. That's exactly what we started doing. Last year, we opened a production company and an animal nonprofit.
Through them, we've:
- Founded grants and scholarships
- Awarded our first grant to an up-and-coming filmmaker
- Worked alongside award-winning industry professionals
- Placed animals in loving homes
- Funded life-saving surgeries for families in need
- Supported community cat colonies
- Funded a city rehabilitation aviary
- Contributed to mutual aid efforts
- Privately supported community members in crisis
Even with two major deaths in Gabrielle's family (one of which we contributed funds to), a slew of unexpected animal surgery fees, and Damion's transition-related surgery that was only partially covered by healthcare, we were managing. Until we had some financial setbacks, including Damion's settlement funds being paused. (Due to legal agreements, we have to be careful what we divulge.)
Then Gabrielle was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Our insurance won't cover the safer, less invasive treatments, so we're paying out of pocket while we appeal. We're also paying for our own insurance, which cannot be paused.
Cancer is expensive. Transitioning is expensive. We have people and animals who depend on us.
We're asking for help to keep going.
How your donation helps:
- Health insurance payments
- Thyroid cancer treatment
- Rent
- Continued care for our fosters
- Sustaining us while we wait for access to our accounts and get payments started again
We've asked for a smaller amount because we are still actively going through appeals and trying to secure other funding. We’ve tried applying for loans and asking help from family but they are either unwilling or unable. We will keep updating as time passes.
We're still showing up.
Even now, we're continuing our work and trying to show up for our community, caring for our animals, and moving forward with the projects and people who depend on us. We know there's a lot going on in the world and in people's lives but if you're able to help, we would be deeply grateful.
Regardless, please share this campaign if you can.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every share, donation, prayer, and well-wish sent our way.