Hi, my name is Alli, and I am raising money for my friend C. C is someone who gives endlessly to her community. She is deeply involved in her housing program, regularly participates in groups, organizes activities for fellow residents, and supports neighborhood events—whether it’s CAPS meetings, clean-up days, or wellness fairs. C volunteers regularly at local pantries and often cooks meals for people in her building.

Beyond her local housing program, C has been active in canvassing for fair housing in her community and has participated in community organizing efforts with the Poor People’s Army, advocating for social justice and systemic change. She has also been a dedicated member of the Healing Corner, a grassroots violence prevention organization on Chicago’s west side, since its inception. She is a loving mother and grandmother, always putting her children and grandchildren first.

Unfortunately, this summer brought unimaginable challenges. C was in two serious car accidents back-to-back. In the first, she was a passenger in a rear-ended vehicle, which caused a concussion. Just weeks later, she was a pedestrian victim in a hit-and-run, where the car ran over her, then reversed and ran over her again. This led to multiple ER visits and hospitalizations. Initially, her fractures were missed, and she was sent home with only wrapped feet. A week later, swelling and pain brought her back to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with multiple fractures and an infection. C has been in a wheelchair ever since.

Life in a wheelchair has made even the simplest tasks—cooking, cleaning, and getting around—difficult. She relies on public transportation, which is often unreliable or physically challenging, and attempts to accept help from strangers have sometimes led to further injury. As a result, she depends on grocery and food delivery services, and her mobility limitations have made it difficult to maintain the same independence she has always had.

C’s financial situation is also precarious. She receives limited monthly disability income, which is not enough to cover her basic needs. She often relies on the very pantries where she volunteers, but transportation and mobility challenges have made even that support harder to access.

Adding to her hardships, earlier this month she was hospitalized again due to a severe infection that nearly resulted in the loss of her finger following multiple procedures and surgeries. On top of the physical pain and financial strain, C is navigating the emotional weight of losing her father and grandmother (this month marks one year), making this a particularly difficult time for her mental health.

We want to help C regain some stability and dignity during this incredibly challenging period. Our goal is to provide her with financial support leading up to her birthday on October 21, to help cover immediate needs such as bills, groceries, and care assistance. I've set the amount to $500, but would ultimately like to raise $1000. Even a small contribution can make a huge difference in her life, giving her relief during this time of compounded health crises, loss, and financial stress.

If you’ve ever experienced living month-to-month, you know how one unexpected crisis can upend everything. Now imagine facing back-to-back health crises. Let’s show C that her community has her back.

Please give what you can—every bit helps.