Help Gillian Heal After Unimaginable Losses

My name is Glen Young, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my daughter, Gillian Ramel. Gillian is one of the hardest working, most determined women I’ve ever known. She’s too proud to ask for help herself, but she needs it now more than ever.

Over the past few years, Gillian has faced heartbreak most of us could never imagine. After losing her husband just a year ago, she was left to raise her two young daughters—a six-year-old and a four-year-old with special needs—on her own. Both girls are still working through the grief and trauma of losing their father, and yet Gillian has pressed forward with grit and grace.

By day, she works in a metal shop when she can, and fortunately, her boss has been super accommodating to all of her challenges, but she literally can't squeeze in very many hours to work while raising the girls. By night, she bakes everything from bagels to King Cakes for Mardi Gras and smokes meat, selling her creations across New Orleans to make ends meet. (Did I say she's an INCREDIBLE COOK?) She never complains—she just works harder. Those who know her will tell you she’s a true “Mama Bear”: tough as nails, endlessly resourceful, and completely devoted to her children.

Then tragedy struck again. Someone deliberately poisoned Gillian’s two beloved dogs—their companions and protectors. The attack has left her with thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, lab tests, legal fees, and the cost of upgrading security to keep her family safe.

When I asked what she was going to do, Gillian told me: “I’ll figure it out—I’ll sell plasma, I’ll bake more, I’ll work it out somehow.” That’s who she is: resilient, determined, unwilling to burden anyone else. But she shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone.

This fundraiser is a chance for all of us—friends, family, and anyone moved by her story—to lift her up. Every contribution goes directly to covering these bills and giving Gillian and her girls a little breathing room.

Even the smallest gift shows her she’s not alone, that she is loved, and that her community stands with her. No one should have to sell plasma just to recover from an act of cruelty like this.

Thank you for helping us show Gillian how much she means to all of us.