Help a Comedian Rebuild After Life’s Curveballs

Dear Sarasota,

It’s me, Christine Alexander. You might remember me—the loud one with a huge smile and ever-changing hairstyles —from Lazy Fairy Improv and FST Improv shows, where I had the absolute honor of performing for you with my whole body. I’ve spent my adult life on stage, bringing joy and laughter to others. My last show was February 29, 2020 (leap year day, hilarious). That night, along with 20 years of shows, was filled with so much laughter and joy, and I’ll never forget the energy we shared.

Unfortunately, life has taken a difficult turn since then. I’ve been facing overwhelming challenges that have turned my world upside down. I’ve been diagnosed with complex PTSD, ADHD, Autism, moderate depression, and anxiety, which have made daily life incredibly difficult. On top of that, I suffer from debilitating ocular migraines that make sunlight unbearable—especially when it bounces off the snow—and computer screens impossible to look at for long periods.

Because of these migraines and vision issues, I’ve had to stop working as a DoorDash driver, and I’ve even had to close my volunteer wellness program, *Laugh to Feel Good*, which was my way of giving back to the community. Losing this program has been devastating, as helping others through laughter and creativity is one of my greatest passions. To make matters worse, three of my teeth have fallen out due to gum disease, leaving me in pain while trying to chew with my other broken teeth and struggling with self-confidence.

The pandemic hit hard, and like so many others, I struggled with the isolation and uncertainty. For me, it triggered my mental health struggles, amplified by the loss of family members and the fear of losing others. I also faced the heartbreak of losing improv friends—people who were such an important part of my life. In July 2021, my husband and I moved to New York and I found myself without a community dealing with mounting medical and mental health issues.

To manage these conditions, I’ve started taking medications which have been helpful and costly. These expenses, combined with therapy, grocery costs, $4800 rent raise, have added to our financial strain. I haven’t been able to work for the past four months, and after four years of challenges, our savings have been completely depleted. I’m in urgent need of emergency funds to cover essential expenses while I focus on healing and rebuilding my life.

How the Funds Will Be Used:

- Dental Work: To replace the teeth I’ve lost and address broken teeth, which are causing pain and self-esteem issues.

- Medical Expenses: Therapy, medications and other treatments for ongoing conditions.

- Vision and Light Sensitivity Tools: Prescription glasses, migraine-filtering sunglasses and support for managing my ocular migraines.

- Living Expenses: Rent, food, and bills while I work toward regaining stability and returning to work.

I can’t express how much YOU meant to me during my time in Sarasota. You gave me a place where I could be loud, colorful, and unapologetically myself. You gave me purpose and belonging. Without you all, it’s been incredibly hard.

It’s been especially tough during hurricane seasons these past few years. Watching from afar as Sarasota faced those storms broke my heart. I worried about all of you—about the theaters, the communities, and the places that brought us together. I wanted so badly to help, to laugh with you, and to rebuild together.

To my corporate training clients who’ve hired me for improv workshops over Zoom these past few years—thank you. You’ve allowed me to pay the rent and keep going through some of the most challenging times of my life. Your trust in my work and your willingness to embrace improv even in a virtual setting has truly meant the world to me.

I’ve stopped talking to everyone, including so many of you who were such a big part of my life. It’s been hard to reach out when it feels like I’ve been stuck in survival mode for so long. My husband has been my rock, working full-time to help keep us afloat. He could use a break too—mentally and medically. The challenges we’ve faced have been overwhelming for both of us. We’re lucky to have each other.

Right now, I’m working on rebuilding myself. Life has thrown some huge challenges my way. I hold onto the memories of my 40+ years in Sarasota. You remind me of the power of laughter, the strength of community, and the beauty of connection. These memories keep me going.

As a small token of my gratitude, I’d love to create a piece of art inspired by you, like the flowers I’ve included in the photos. Art has been a healing outlet for me lately, and I’d like to share that with you as a way of saying thank you for everything you’ve given me.

Thank you for everything—the laughter, the love, and the chance to share parts of myself on stage. I will one day return to Sarasota, stronger and ready to make you laugh again. Until then, please know how much you all mean to me.

With love, gratitude, and help from AI,

It’s me. Christine. ❤️