Help Rescue Life Itself from Their Flood

Namaste All,

My name is Josh, and I am the owner of Life Itself. We're a company that wild-harvests a medicinal fungus called Chaga Mushroom, deep in the mountains, and processes them into different supplements that have supported Buffalo NY's physical/mental health for four years now. We're a small business on the cusp of bringing this highly effective and little-known supplement to our community in need.

Unfortunately, on January 24th, 2022, I walked into my small manufacturing space to find it completely flooded. It was utterly heartbreaking to discover that much of the equipment I had invested in over these last four years was damaged or broken.

I started this business when I was 25 years old with $200 and a dream to help end suffering in the bodies and minds of my community. As I sat around and looked at all the brewers, freeze-dryers, grinders, products, and materials that the flood ruined, I had a humbling reflection.

"Josh, you have come so far. You've grown to have a room full of expensive stainless steel equipment by staying true to your mission no matter how tough it got. Much of it is destroyed... but look at what you created here, how it's grown. You started with a hand grinder and a crockpot, filling up a few ball jars with tea made from a mushroom to sell at Farmer's Markets."

It took thousands of conversations explaining what Chaga is, why it's good for you, and that it doesn't taste like mushrooms (or make you hallucinate) to get to where we are now. But we know that there are still thousands more conversations to have about Chaga because we believe that this mushroom relieves so many of the conditions our society suffers from today.

I have personally put everything I have into this business and have made great strides to bring this natural medicine to our community. I have even spent four months living in this very retail space while I was persuing this dream and couldn't afford rent. I am not ready to give up. I don't know how I will get through this one, but I've said that many times before. I believe something good will come from this. This flood is a blessing in disguise.

With your help, I aim to raise the money needed to replace the old, broken equipment and move manufacturing to a new location. It would mean everything to me if you would consider donating. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Josh Zimmerman,

President and Founder of Life Itself