Our beautiful and generous friend Marisa, AKA Misa Punch, is living through an incredibly tough moment. Just over a year ago her mother was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease—a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Over the past year, Marisa’s mother has lost nearly all physical independence. She has lost the ability to speak and eat, requires a feeding tube and round the clock care. Professional care-takers, Marisa and her sister have been sharing the responsibilities of assistance, but a lot of the load has fallen on Marisa.

The weight of witnessing her mother’s body shutting down has not only taken an agonizing emotional toll on Marisa, but also a financial one. As she lovingly tends to her mother’s needs, she’s unable to cater to her beloved hairdressing clients. Her mother lives three hours away and her extended visits and time away from work have resulted in the pile-up of unmanageable debt.

Anyone who knows Marisa, knows the generosity of her spirit. They know the incredibly loyal and kind, funny and gentle soul that she is.

She’d never ask for this kind of help herself, but a few of us are excited to show up and support someone who has shown up and supported us in countless ways over the years.

It is our hope that she can spend what time remains with her mother appreciating every moment spent with her rather than worrying about the inevitable financial burden that comes from not earning. All donations are welcomed with immense gratitude!