My name is Domia Edwards, I am an artist and educator. I have been taking care of my friend, Aubrey, since Tuesday after they had an unexpected surgery. He is a talented writer, musician, and dedicated special education behavioral support tech who has faced an unimaginable series of challenges over the past weeks. On top of recovering from surgery, he has been affected by the devastation of the Palisades fires in California.

Just two weeks ago, he finally found temporary housing after months of moving from place to place. Tragically, I discovered that the place he was staying is now gone. While it’s a relief that he hadn’t yet moved some irreplaceable journals and writings, he has lost nearly everything else: most of his clothes, his cherished music and camera equipment, and other essentials.

To make matters even more difficult, he may need another surgery in the coming months, further delaying his ability to rebuild. He is one of the most selfless people I know, always supporting others even during his hardest times. Despite his current struggles, he has been a rock for me and his family this past year, never asking for anything in return. He knows that there are people that have lost generational homes and their entire lives, and did not feel comfortable asking for support, but everyone is affected and I want to show him it's okay to ask for help. The community will show up if you allow them.

I’m creating a GoFundMe to help him replace some of the essentials he’s lost, recover his music and camera equipment, and secure housing or travel support to get him home to his family in Seattle once he’s strong enough. Any amount you can contribute will make an incredible difference, and if you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us. He will be in my care until he is cleared by the doctors to travel.

Thank you for helping me support someone who has given so much to others in their time of need. Together, we can help him begin to rebuild and move forward from this incredibly difficult chapter.

Donations

Men’s clothes: size L, pants: size 32, shoe size: Men’s Size 11

Men’s toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, beard care, skin care

Herbs to support his healing and lungs