Freedom Once Held Hostage, Help Getting Belongings
Donation protected
I'm aware, we are in distressing and difficult times. Homelessness and suicide is on the rise. Given the uncertainty of this pandemic, some of us are facing unemployment. The shutdowns have continued and will continue in the venues that effect my work. I've always been ambitious and driven. A little about my personal side. I was raised in a small southern town where girls weren't encouraged to attend college. Being "pretty" was basic enough to land a husband. I married my high school sweetheart and divorced after 27 years of marriage due to numerous affairs and Domestic Violence. When I had the courage to leave, I had to step back and discover myself and who I was. I had to get out of societies box and unlearn most of my way of thinking. I decided to sell everything and start a new life and business. Learning everything on my own because I wasn't exposed to any of this. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I was more mad than upset. I didn't have time for cancer. Like anyone has time for cancer! lol I educated myself on everything I could about Breast Cancer. So much that my first doctor dropped me because I asked too many questions! I never had a victim mentality nor felt sorry for myself. The business was fading during treatments and I was to the point of being almost homeless. My Aunt was kind enough to take me in her home. Once able to get back on my feet again, I decided to start living life on my terms. It made me step back and rediscover what life's purpose was meant to be. I pack up once again and move to Los Angeles to follow my heart's desire. I started writing music lyrics and children's books. What came naturally to me was Standup Comedy. This isn't what I planned, it just came as a gift. After arriving in Los Angeles and renting an apartment that was much more expensive than New Orleans...Covid Arrives! I was only in L. A. for a month. I didn't know many people and we were now in quarantine. I decide to put all of my belongings in storage and head back to Louisiana to be with my family and friends. Just like the rest of the world, I had no idea the profound effect it would have. I starting to anticipate a financial burden that may be placed on anyone who cares for me. This is giving me much anxiety and stress. In my subconscious, hoping this grief doesn't bring back cancer. I am doing everything I can just to survive. I never tried to seek financial recognition during cancer or anytime in my life. Like I said, I will never have enough lifetime to learn and educate myself on so many things in life. I'm always reading, and trying to advance myself in the hopes of being financially independent. I don't want to ride anyones coattail or be on government assistance. The cost of renting a uhual truck round trip is 3,000. It's a two day trip, not including gas. Your donation helps me recover my belongings. I don't care about furniture. It's mostly my pictures and the stuff that is meaningful, like family photos, etc. It's not in a climate control. I'm worried I may lose them to the heat. I'm grateful and humble. I hope to oneday help someone who was in my shoes who was trying to help themselves. Women Empowering Women. Thank you for your time. I appreciate you.
Phyllis Stanford
Phyllis Stanford
Organizer
Phyllis Stanford
Organizer
Breaux Bridge, LA
