I am fundraising to support my friend and bandmate Norma Jean Haynes as she recovers from cancer and chemotherapy. The money we raise will provide Norma stability and breathing room to rest and get her footing before she takes her next steps. Returning to her former job as a classroom music teacher is no longer possible for Norma, who is now immunocompromised and still regaining her energy. It will take some time for her to find new work that is physically and financially sustainable.

Last winter, Norma left her full-time job as a music teacher to take care of her father, who passed away earlier this year. She managed his end-of-life care while living off of her savings. During this time, she began to experience the debilitating fatigue and brain fog of Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but was not diagnosed until June, and began treatment in the summer.

Maybe you know Norma from the Hilltowns, or shape note singing in Laurel Park, or in the classroom where she taught young children music, maybe you met her swimming in the river every day in the summer, or just around: because she is someone with the uncanny ability to be everywhere and know everyone. Norma is a remarkable part of our community in Western Mass, and communities beyond that, too, a brilliant friend and musician.

Any friend of Norma’s will inevitably recount a time she has championed them: she has the ability, like no one else I know, to make people feel significant. She treats people unequivocally with respect, and accepts them as they are. I am amazed by Norma’s ability to live in true appreciation of the people around her; the world around her.

Through the upheaval, grief, illness, and heartbreak in her life this past year, I watched Norma meet her friends and community every day with kindness, grace, a sense of humor, and a seemingly endless well of patience. I have been so moved by her ability to take care of her friends even during such a difficult time in her own life, and I hope now, together, we can take care of her. I want us to offer Norma enough for a period of ease and rest, to regain her strength and steady herself for her next moves post-chemo.

We are looking to raise $25,000 to support Norma's living expenses and help her rebuild her savings. This will provide a cushion for Norma to fully recuperate without financial stress, and to take adequate time to heal without extra pressure before transitioning back into work.