Helping Heal Holly-Marie

I am fundraising for my dear friend Holly-Marie.

I met her 20 years ago, becoming fast friends with her vibrant personality, her willingness to befriend anyone and everyone, and the way she always spread so much love and care into the world.

She has had a rough time in recent years as she is reliving multiple traumatic experiences and abuse. She is currently safe in a transition home, relearning how to live independently, and getting support. The province does not cover much of the life-saving physical and mental health care she needs.

Despite years of experience in the workforce, she currently cannot work for an income until she recovers. Her family has reached their max in financial support, and so I am asking for your generosity on her behalf.

I will always remember the day she came to my wedding in feathery wings - one of those moments that reminds me of the way she made any day magical with her buoyant personality.

Life was never kind to her. She is a survivor of abusive personal and work environments. Those trials only turned her kinder and more loving, but at the same time unfortunately more vulnerable.

Her mental state has severely affected her physical state. Since January 2023, she suffers from multiple panic attacks on a daily basis. Her medications that allow her to eat and sleep cost $325/month. They are not covered by provincial health insurance. These are essential for her health, recovery and wellbeing.

During the last year, she has lost a dangerous amount of weight to anxiety and was diagnosed with CPTSD, but the therapy she needs is not covered through Ontario’s health insurance system either, at a total cost of $2000. She has exhausted all the free resources for mental health and is now on the waitlists that can take years to get the next resources.

In addition, physiotherapy was recommended $200/month to help with the vertigo associated with the drastic weight loss. She has difficulties with basic tasks and balance that need addressing.

There are also physical reminders in some of the tattoos she has. She is working with a safe artist to cover up those reminders of past trauma and feel better without the constant reminder of bad times. This would be a one -time cost of $1500.

In total, $8200 is the minimum estimate for the basic care she needs. To make sure there is room to cover additional challenges that might arise, our target is to raise $10,000 to get her through this year of healing and waitlists.

If you've ever met her, it's hard to forget her love and joy that she brings. If you haven't met her yet, know that she will love you when you finally meet.  Please join me in returning her love with the care and support she needs right now.