My name is Margaret Chardiet (aka Pharmakon). On November 5th, I had an unexpected, mandatory and serious surgery. Recovery time is estimated between 4-6 weeks. During this period, most of my time will be spent in bed because my mobility is very limited and my pain levels are high. I cannot lift objects, bend over, or stand for more than 5-10 minutes. At the moment, doing simple things like showering or walking around my apartment is difficult, slow, painful, and takes a lot of energy out of me. After this 4-6 week recovery period, I will be cleared to lift up to 10 pounds, and slowly work my way back to normal from there - but full recovery will take longer.

I am a touring musician, but also work a day job because (surprise!) noise does not pay the bills. Due to this unexpected surgery, I had to cancel my European tour, which was supposed to begin on November 11th. I am also unable to return to my day job, which is physically demanding. Furthermore, the tour cancellation resulted in a total of $1,500 of nonrecoverable upfront costs (plane tickets, etc) that depleted my bank account. So in addition to being unable to work and missing out on they money I would have made on tour, I am also in the hole for these costs.

This leaves me in a very bad and unstable financial situation. I do not have enough money for rent in my bank account. I have no new income upcoming to cover groceries, bills, or cabs to the hospital for post-op followup appointments. I have no savings.

As you can imagine this is a deeply vulnerable position to be in, and those who know me personally understand that this Gofundme is the ultimate last resort. In short, I'm screwed. So I am turning to my wider community to ask for help.

Please consider donating whatever funds you're able to, and sharing this page with others. I sincerely appreciate your time, and your generosity.

For transparency, here is a breakdown of the cost of living for one month, plus the irrecoverable tour costs, which explains why I am asking for this specific amount:

*Rent = $1,300

*Bills = $300

*Groceries = $400 (100/wk)

*Pharmacy + Household needs = $400 (100/wk)

(prescriptions and OTC medicine, laundry detergent, cat food, etc)

*Transportation = $100 (cab ride to and from doc appts)

*Tour costs = $1,500

Total Amount - $4,000