Help for Jason and Rachel Novek

Anyone who knows Jason and Rachel Novek knows a kind, creative, intelligent, witty, and loving couple--people who go out of their way to show care to others. Now we have an opportunity to show support and care to them, as they are needing support in a hard time.

Jason is an excellent software engineer, system administrator, and team leader, and has contributed greatly to his field. However, he is experiencing medical difficulties that have precluded working full-time. Employers in his field have not been open to making any accommodations to use his skill while honoring his need for flexible, part-time work. The past several years have been especially challenging health-wise, as Jason has dealt with daily migraines, chronic pain, kidney stone surgery, and mental health challenges, including ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder. Rachel contends with daily, ongoing pain from a 2017 spinal fusion, as well as a very rare headache disorder called SUNCT. Jason and Rachel have spent the last 20 months in Duluth, heavily focused on their health. Their efforts have been intensive, often requiring 2-5 medical appointments each week.

Jason and Rachel have done all they can to reduce their costs (moving in with Jason's parents, applying for benefits that they're eligible for) and are exploring sustainable sources of income, but all of this takes time, and they need financial support right away to cover immediate expenses. Their bills total about $1200 per month (covering transportation, medication co-pays, storage to house their belongings for when they are able to move out to a place of their own). We are hoping to ease their financial burden as they tend to their wellness and explore long-term solutions for income that honors their health, skills, and talents.

Right now, we are hoping to raise enough money to cover about 5 months of expenses. For now, Jason and Rachel are focusing on ensuring that their monthly expenses and basic needs are met, but they are also exploring more sustainable options for the future, such as Social Security Disability benefits. They also plan to explore ways to leverage their considerable creative skill and entrepreneurial spirit to generate some side income. They hope to cover their most basic monthly costs on their own six months from now.

If Jason and Rachel are pledged money beyond what they are requesting, they will accept it to further extend their buffer. If they find that the do not need the full amount they are pledged, they will donate the excess to migraine, SUNCT, or other chronic headache research.

Every contribution, no matter its amount, will be significantly helpful, deeply meaningful, and truly appreciated. Not only will your donation contribute to supporting Jason and Rachel through this hard financial time, but it will also uplift them to see their community and friends come alongside them to show support, solidarity, and hope that things can--and will!--get better.

Thank you for your consideration and support of Jason and Rachel!