Help Liz with Medical Expenses

I’m starting this fund-raiser for my Aunt Liz because she’s the type of person who won’t ask for help even when she’s truly in need. On October 25th, Liz is having a double knee replacement. Although she has health insurance (thankfully), as anyone who has had major surgery knows, the actual medical costs are only a fraction of the expenses associated with such an event.  Not only has she had to make expensive modifications to her home to accommodate her anticipated lack of mobility, she is looking at a prolonged recovery time which will significantly affect her income. I am hoping that we can raise enough money to help offset the financial burden that she is simply not prepared to absorb.

Often when we see fundraisers, we wonder if the person is truly in need or is “deserving” enough. I’ve known more than one person in legitimate need, yet this is the first fundraiser I’ve ever done. I feel compelled to do this for Liz because I know she won’t give herself the honest credit she deserves. One of the most generous and supportive individuals I know, she is always helping and lifting others up. Whether it be time, encouragement, technical ability, knowledge, or even financial assistance, when Liz encounters another in need, she gives. I know this first hand. After my mom passed away, I was a recipient of Liz’s kindness and compassion. Knowing how devastated and lost I would be, my mom had designated her as the Trustee of her estate. She knew she could count on Liz for the time-consuming and onerous tasks of handling her final wishes. Liz not only handled the estate manners, but gave hours of her personal time to go above and beyond the role of Trustee. She made what was an overwhelming and confusing time, manageable. I was numb and shell-shocked. Normal tasks were beyond my capabilities. Had it not been for Liz, I don’t think I would have been able to continue providing care to my grandma and uncle, and then weathering my grandma’s passing too. Never once did she balk at handling what “should” have been within my capabilities and were legitimately my responsibility. She knew I was hurting and she was there, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s just the type of person she is. Since my mom’s passing, I’ve gotten much closer to her. I’ve seen again and again, Liz act without consideration for her own needs, and never with an expectation of a return, help many people.

One of the challenges posed to Liz is that she’s an extremely self-sufficient and capable woman. She forged a path in authenticity and self-realization long before it was fashionable. She’s a veteran, a blackbelt, she scuba dives, she rides a motorcycle…. she’s tough! It seems inconceivable that she actually needs help. I’m concerned that many of her friends are unaware of her need for assistance, because in most of her circles, she is THE support person. I’ve seen time and time again certain individuals always giving, but when they need help, there are few offers of assistance. I don’t think it’s out of malice or intentional thoughtlessness, it’s just because that person is so capable and self-reliant, the thought of them being otherwise is simply unimaginable.

She’s definitely facing a challenge she can’t surmount on her own. Although she needs actual physical support as well, she resides in a different state. I can’t help with that. But I can help her financially, and am hoping and praying that those she has helped in the past, will be encouraged to do so as well. The financial burdens I touched on earlier are real. As an entrepreneur, her income is directly reliant upon her time, something she will not have for several weeks, extending into months. Additionally, she is already facing increased expenses and is anticipating many more. Simple things like transportation, errands, meal preparation, pet care, and home and yard maintenance will need to be hired out. She will have physical help with some of it, but I know it’s impractical to assume that her friends and family will be able to provide all of this support, particularly when one considers their support system (Liz) will be out for the count. She isn’t the type of person to ask either. If she doesn’t have the resources to procure these services, she’ll either go without or injure herself trying to do it on her own. I don’t want to see that. I also don’t want to see this giving soul, who is always taking care of others, feeling as though her genuine support is not reciprocated. I’m praying her kindness is returned to her and that she is shown the same support she has shown many others. Thank you so much for reading my request, much love!!!