Dear Family, Friends, Business Associates, and Community,

We are reaching out to ask for your help in supporting

Israel Shotridge, a 73-year-old Tlingit artist and cultural icon, as he navigates a challenging recovery following a recent head trauma.

Israel is known not only for his extraordinary skill as a totem carver and form line artist but also for his unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of his Native Alaskan heritage.

Two head surgeries and three embolism procedures has left him in need of extended healing time and specialized care. While he is making strides in his recovery, he requires consistent caregiving and may face additional medical expenses as he continues his journey toward wellness.

Since Israel’s surgery and subsequent brain trauma, our family has faced significant financial challenges. Sue has been by Israel's side every step of the way, ensuring he receives the care and support he needs during this critical recovery period.

However, her absence from our business has had a profound impact, causing a steep decline in income at a time when we’re also navigating mounting medical expenses. Caregiving is a high and significant cost. The combination of caregiving responsibilities and reduced business operations has left us struggling to make ends meet, making this GoFundMe campaign vital to helping us stay afloat and continue providing Israel with the care he deserves.

Your support means more to us than words can express during this difficult time.

Your contributions will go directly toward:

- Caregiving services to ensure Israel has the support he needs at home.

- Medical expenses related to his ongoing treatment and recovery.

- Living costs to ease the financial strain and allow Israel and Sue to focus entirely on his healing.

Israel has dedicated his life to giving back through his art, teaching, and storytelling. His totem poles, paintings, and carvings are not just art—they are powerful vessels of cultural preservation and pride. By supporting Israel now, we honor his legacy and ensure he has the resources to continue sharing his gifts with the world.

Whether you are able to give financially or by sharing this campaign, we deeply appreciate your support. Together, we can show Israel the love and respect he so richly deserves.

Let’s stand by Israel as he has stood by his community and culture throughout his life.