Help Rafael Johns adapt to being blind

Rafael is our adopted nephew. He is funny, brilliant, a smart-ass, a talented writer, and a singer. He has had Type 1 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. He was recently diagnosed as legally blind. We are launching this go-fund-me campaign to help Rafael navigate this new reality.

He faces some major hurdles - 1) to pay his rent in his BIPOC queer household 2) to get rehabilitation services, and 3) to learn how to thrive in this new reality. We want to make sure his rent is covered for the next few months and that he has funds for adaptive/assistive technology and basic needs.

He is working on getting disability benefits and he will likely get it with the diagnosis and prognosis but even with these, it will at best take 3 months. The Department of Rehabilitation in Oakland said it would take 4-6 weeks to get an appointment that’s how understaffed they are and the need for their services.

We need our community’s help now to make sure he has the resources to thrive. Any amount you can spare will be a huge help. If you have friends or family that can help, please share our campaign. If you don’t want to contribute through go-fund-me just contact us. We will set up another way for you to contribute.

In the spirit of the winter solstice when we find hope in the twinkly lights in the snow we hope you can help us support our sweet nephew Rafael this holiday season.

(Pictures description: Three photos of Rigo with facial hair in an orange jacket that matches his short orange hair, Rafael in a purple hoodie with a short afro, and Teo with facial hair in a purple t-shirt with long brown hair pulled back sitting on a leopard print chaise lounge.)

Thank you!

Grace and Dawn