We are raising money for the truly wonderful Lija Silvers. Lija is a radiant, resilient single mother of three teenagers who is facing an impossible combination of challenges including housing insecurity, serious medical issues, and long-term disability following a traumatic brain injury.

Lija is someone whose infectious energy, courageous optimism, and generous wisdom have touched so many people. She has a rare way of making you feel truly seen and heard. But right now, Lija is facing one of the darkest chapters of her life, and she needs our help.

Over a year ago, Lija was in a serious car accident that resulted in Persistent Post-Concussive Syndrome; a form of mild traumatic brain injury with symptoms that linger well beyond the typical recovery window. Lija now experiences near-constant headaches and migraines, dizziness, muscle pain, and - most painfully for her sharp, expressive mind - difficulty with speech, memory, and focus.

She has been unable to work since the accident. Despite ongoing physical therapy, medications, and evaluations, her symptoms have not improved. Lija applied for disability benefits over a year ago, but like many, remains stuck in an exhausting and slow-moving process without answers.

As if the past year weren’t enough, Lija is now facing a potential gynecological cancer diagnosis. After abnormal biopsy results and further testing, she is now awaiting final results from a colposcopy to determine treatment. A partial vulvectomy is scheduled for early July, and more surgeries and therapies are expected to follow.

These developments have left her physically depleted and emotionally shaken. The trauma of her injuries, combined with the uncertainty of cancer and the day-to-day reality of raising teenagers alone, have understandably taken a toll on her mental health. Lija is a person who has always met adversity with grace and grit, but the weight of this year has been crushing.

Lija has spent years fighting to build a safe, loving life for her kids after leaving an abusive marriage. She represented herself in court, made ends meet without legal or consistent financial support, and has worked tirelessly to create a nurturing home. Her children are now in schools where they are thriving; with friends, teachers, and routines that bring them joy and stability. That stability is now at risk.

Her lease ends at the end of the month. Without enough money to renew or relocate, she faces the possibility of losing the only home her kids have known in years. If she’s forced to leave, her children will likely have to switch schools, disrupting all the progress they’ve made.

We are hoping to raise enough to:

Lija has shown up for so many of us with laughter, insight, and a heart big enough to help hold the pain of others, even while carrying her own. If you’ve been one of the lucky people touched by her light, we hope you’ll consider helping to reflect some of that warmth back in her direction now. This has been a long, painful journey, but Lija is not alone, and we have the power to remind her of that.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and giving.