Boozhoo (hello) everyone,

 

I’m creating this GoFundMe to help support our cousin Brandon Basina during an unexpected and scary medical situation.

 

About two weeks ago, Brandon caught pneumonia and from severe coughing, it led to a pneumothorax, an air pocket in the lung that is slowly collapsing the upper lobe of the right lung. He has spent much time in the ER, hoping that oxygen treatment will resolve it without needing a chest procedure.

 

He’s been out of work for two weeks and running out of savings. Rent is covered through March 1, but after the next round of bills, there won’t be enough money to get through February without maxing out credit cards just to survive until the next paycheck, assuming recovery happens soon.

 

He truly believed he would recover faster and was counting on a tax refund to help bridge the gap. Unfortunately, this year he had to pay in, and the small refund expected in April won’t help right now.

 

Brandon has also faced significant loss in his life. He tragically lost his father when he was young, and in recent years lost both his mother and grandmother. Because of this, he has very limited family support. His biggest sources of comfort and companionship are his two cats, and being able to care for them during this time means everything to him.

 

This is not something anyone plans for, and the stress of medical uncertainty on top of financial pressure has been overwhelming. Any support, whether through donating or sharing this fundraiser, would mean so much and help relieve some of that burden while they focus on healing.

 

Miigwech (thank you) for reading, for caring, and for any help you’re able to offer.