Help Bonnie Powell Heal, Thrive & Be Surrounded by Love

The Amazing Bonnie We Know and Love

Our beloved Bonnie was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer in March of 2024. There have been ups and downs in the journey and Bonnie is still battling this illness and its related complications over a year and a half later. She is a selfless mother, wife, sister, teacher, artist and friend that has tirelessly showed up for everyone in her life. We (her family) want to support her in any way we can and now is the time we can all help.

As anyone who knows Bonnie would say, she is the most fierce, kickass woman - yet someone who can absolutely melt you with the warmest hugs. A woman of resilience, deep generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know and is truly the best of us, as anyone who has ever known her can attest. Her dedication to early childhood education is inspiring, her open house and full dinner table makes everyone feel at home and the amazing people around her speaks to her loyal lifelong friendships.

Bonnie remains in LaGrange, Texas, at the Texas Wellness Camp (i.e. the Farm) but has to travel the two and half hours into Houston frequently to see doctors and get treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital. She would love more than anything to get back to Homer, her garden and all the incredible chosen family she has there but she’s currently working on healing before that can happen.

Funds Usage

Bonnie has always been more comfortable giving than receiving, so the concept of a GoFundMe didn’t sit right in the beginning of this journey. With treatment continuing and the challenges of getting back to Alaska without flying commercially (due to lung complications) the need for a little help is apparent and we are coming together to ask for support on her behalf.

Bonnie is currently undergoing intensive treatment for both the cancer and its side effects, which include impacts to her lungs and many, many hospital visits. While insurance covered much of the upfront medical care, we all know in these situations insurance can deny or not include many things that are needed. She is currently planning to retire next month after dedicating the past twenty years to early childhood education throughout Alaska and the country. But with this comes the uncertainties of discontinued private health insurance along with the additional costs that are not covered—out-of-pocket medical expenses, home health equipment, family travel to and from Texas, support services, etc. With lung complications preventing commercial air travel, we are hoping to get a reliable vehicle and pull behind trailer to make the trip back up North when she is stable enough.

She is so grateful for all the blessings in her life; one of which I know is her amazing community of friends, Homer neighbors, and family (both biological and chosen).

We Appreciate Anything You Can Give

We’re reaching out to our extended community to help ease the burden so Bonnie can focus on healing and spending precious time with the people she loves. Any contribution—no matter the size—will help us cover the extra expenses that allow her to get the care she needs, face extra expenses without so much stress, and be surrounded by care and comfort from loved ones.

If you’re not in a position to give, sharing this campaign or simply keeping Bonnie in your thoughts, texts, and prayers means the world to us. Thank you for your love, kindness, and continued support.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bonnie’s family

Set up by Bonnie’s niece, Jackie Bakalarski, with support from the family

All proceeds will go directly to the LaRue family