I never thought I would be in a situation like this, needing to ask for financial help, but here I am. I’ve always been able to support myself practicing massage in some of the finest spas in Northern California and making high quality one-of-a-kind jewelry. But I have been unable to get work and have completely run out of money and maxed out my credit cards, so right now I desperately need help.

Over the past few months I have been trying to get massage therapy work at many spas but I believe ageism has come into the picture. As you can see in the photo of Toots and I, my hair is brilliant white. So I cut my hair and dyed it, thinking that this would make me look younger and that would improve the situation. I thought that one of the many spas that I applied to would see me as young enough and would hire me. No such luck. It hasn’t helped.

I also sell my hand crafted jewelry at a gallery. However, it’s very time consuming making one-of-a-kind pieces. I’ve never had the extra funds to have my pieces cast, which would allow me to make multiple pieces and then market them in numerous places. Some funding would also allow me to cast my jewelry and help me transition from an occupation that seems to want to push me out of a job to an occupation that I love and could do for the rest of my life.

Thank you for taking the time for reading about my difficult situation and thank you in advance if you are able to help me during this most critical time in my life.