The best-laid plans of mice and men g'ang aft agley! I hate being vulnerable, but I’m in the midst of a career transition and I’m struggling financially. I need help from my friends to buffer me while I establish a new income and to get me home to Hawai'i from Cincinnati.

If I have ever made you smile or laugh, given an assist or good advice, or given a much-needed hug, please help me out and send me a little something. I figure it's best to ask collectively rather than individually right now because I can't say when I'd be able to pay someone back. $20 from 100 people is better than $2000 from one.

I took leave from work on August 18 because I was struggling with mental health issues and didn't want to screw up any of my clients' cases. I came to Cincinnati because I needed to see Cassandra to improve my mental health. I know I did the best, right, and ethical thing, but due to scheduling complications with my psychiatrist, I was unable to get the FMLA & TDI paperwork filled out by my firm's deadline, so I was let go on September 30 and can't get TDI. Suze Orman promotes having at least the cost of 3 months' bills in savings, but working for a non-profit in Hawai'i made that impossible. So, after 2 months of not working, I am out of money and behind on bills. I've been doing DoorDash here in Cincinnati when I can borrow my friend's car, but that is not enough to pay for anything more than food and gas.

I have been applying and interviewing for attorney work, and I am also working on an app with Purple Mai'a, which I will be presenting to investors in November. I know I am going to come out well on the other end of this transition, but in the meantime, I need help. My mental health is much improved, except for the financial stress, because I was able to step away for a couple of months and focus on myself instead of clients.

Mahalo nui loa for your time and attention. Love you, Donna