Hi, I'm Erin. My friend Emily and her family are struggling, and it is my hope that you will be able to help them get back on their feet. They are absolutely delightful, some of the best people I know, and I would do anything for them. Unfortunately, I'm currently living in British Columbia while they're in Beamsville, Ontario so I'm asking you for some help.

Three months ago, following a particularly stressful event, Emily suffered a series of seizures. It was very frightening. An MRI was done and it was determined that she has Functional Neurological Disorder. FND is like a software problem in the brain where the part of the brain that connects to specific parts of the body are damaged. FND causes a loss of motor function, and non-epileptic seizures that can happen at anytime.

Prior to this, Emily had other disabilities that she was dealing with. Fourteen years ago, Emily lost her job as a designer and animator. Emily is an incredibly creative and dedicated person and was always pushing herself at work. She suffered a brain injury from years of working with undiagnosed autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. She also had undiagnosed eye sensitivity to light and motion and unknown to her was not wearing the proper eye protection.

After the seizures, Emily's symptoms were exacerbated. She is now mostly in bed or sitting on the couch. She has recently started therapy for FND but it is going to take a long time to make significant progress. Her muscles are weak and give out, and her arms only work for basic things like eating and using the washroom. She is no longer able to go up and down the stairs in her home, do laundry, make meals, go for walks or practice self care.

As a result, Emily struggles to take care of the household and her beautiful autistic daughter, Clementine. Her husband, Nate works full time, overtime if able, and does as much as humanly able around the house. He works in a local carpentry union. Prior to this he worked in the film union and went back and forth to keep money coming in for his family. The film and television strike in 2023 saw him without work for the majority of the year and really set the family back. He works so hard for Clem and Emily.

Emily and her family need help with funds for basic things around the home. Since they moved 8 years ago, the home has never been properly organized due to Emily's disabilities. Ideally, funds would be spent on services to assist with cleaning, laundry, cooking or pre-made meals. They currently struggle to pay for food as they cannot get ahead. It would also be incredibly helpful if some therapies and services not covered by OHIP could be covered, and some outstanding bills be paid and payday loans caught up.

When I return to Ontario, I plan to help them in-person but at this time I am in British Columbia taking care of my husband who is suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer. It would mean the world to me if you could spare a little and help them at this time. Thank you.

Erin