I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend, Vie Boheme (an artist, entertainer, and independent arts administrator) who has just undergone an extensive fibroid removal surgery that will require 8 weeks of rest and recovery.

On Friday, May 29th, Vie had open surgery (requiring a c-section incision cutting across her lower belly) to remove extremely large fibroids that she has been dealing with and hiding for years. Her doctor communicated to her that due to the size of the fibroids, her body was in the state of a five or six month pregnancy. She had been in this state for at least five years.

By hiding them for over 5 years, her organs had to shift to make space for the fibroids. Now that she’s had them removed, her organs are slowly moving back into place.

"I got very good at hiding the fibroids--I hid them so well, I hid them from myself, unaware of how much space they were taking in my abdomen."

This is Vie’s 4th surgery in 5 months.

While working out of state earlier this year, she experienced an ovarion torsion which is a medical emergency that occurs when an ovary twists on the tissues and ligaments that support it. It required an immediate surgery. She had to cancel her flight and prolong her stay in LA to address the situation including the reality that she would need another surgery to remove the fibroids.

"I ended up in the ER twice that trip with the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life. On a scale 1-10, it was easily a 25. I've never yelled and screamed so hard, loud and long, at pain--until it was clear that I was reaching the edge of what my mind could perceive as pain."

According to the Mayo Clinic Press, 90% of Black people with wombs have fibroids. Sadly, due to a lack of research or resources many have been forced to deal with this silently over the years though there has become increasing awareness.

"I really want to focus on rest and recovery with minimal stress to help cover medical expenses, lost wages and rent during my recovery. Folks can also donate privately via (venmo, cashapp, zelle or PayPal). If financial support isn’t feasible at this time, ways to support me in the future include attending my shows and wellness workshops, booking me for private events, sharing my offerings, and buying new merch as it comes out. To stay up to date on these things, sign up for my newsletter at www.listen2vie.com“

$6,950 TOTAL

$2,500 Immediate medical expenses

$2,250 rent & personal expense (including food)

$1,750 Airbnb to support Vie’s mom coming into town and stay in single level space for 10days

$250 Ubers/Transportation