Three weeks ago, my friend was in our nation’s capital. She was about to cross the street to go for a jog in her favorite park when she saw a black SUV idling on the side of the road. As she began to cross the street, the SUV accelerated and struck her. The driver sped away and has not been caught.
My friend survived, but with a fractured kneecap and ankle. After several weeks in the hospital, she is now facing a long, painful road to recovery. Beyond her physical injuries, the shock and trauma of this assault have been immense. Given the circumstances, many of us are left wondering if she was targeted.
My friend is an antiracist educator and advocate who has dedicated her life to supporting Black women in crisis, running an org that gives emergency funds to get women through homelessness, domestic violence, food shortages, and other urgent issues. Now she herself is in crisis. She needs specialized therapy to help her recover, but the sessions are not covered by insurance—and the costs are overwhelming.
I am raising funds to help cover her therapy sessions so she can focus on healing – so that she can return to the crucial job of helping women in crisis. Anything you can give will make a difference. Together, we can help her regain her health and remind her she is not alone in this.
Any donation is deeply welcome. Thank you for your generosity, love, and support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Paterson
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Cathy Loup
Beneficiary