Hello everyone,

My name is Bala, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of our friend Jamie.

I have been following Jamie’s journey closely over the past year through our shared spiritual community connected to the Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba family. During this time, I’ve witnessed him move through profound loss, serious health challenges, and now the forced loss of his housing after many years in his New York City apartment.

Jamie lost his partner of 17 years, and in the months that followed, grief, medical issues, and financial strain compounded in ways that made it increasingly difficult for him to remain safe and stable on his own. At this point, it has become clear that the most supportive and sustainable next step is for him to relocate to Kansas, where his mother and family can provide care, grounding, and support as he begins to heal and rebuild.

I feel called to step in and help make this transition happen in a tangible way. I am taking a week off to fly from Atlanta to New York City, help Jamie pack his belongings, and then drive with him and his cats all the way to Kansas, before flying back to Atlanta. This ensures that the move happens safely, at a humane pace, and with care for both his health and his animals, who are his emotional support and family.

Because of Jamie’s health needs and the presence of his cats, this cannot be done on a flight or as a single long drive. The trip will take place over three days with overnight stops in pet-friendly hotels, allowing for rest, safety, and reduced stress.

This fundraiser is specifically to cover the one-time expenses of relocating Jamie safely from New York City to his mother’s home in Kansas. 

The total estimated cost for this relocation is $2,500, which includes direct travel expenses and a small buffer for platform fees and minor travel variables.

All funds raised will go directly toward executing this move. I am coordinating the logistics and paying these costs directly to ensure the transition happens smoothly and without additional burden on Jamie.

How the funds will be used

The funds raised will support a one-time relocation from New York City to Kansas, including:

• A flight from Atlanta to NYC so me and my friend can assist with packing and drive with me

• A 4-day drive at a safe, manageable pace

• A rental vehicle suitable for long-distance travel

• Fuel for approximately 1,300 miles

• Three nights in pet-friendly hotels

• Safe transport and care for the cats

• Basic necessities during travel such as food and rest stops

Estimated relocation costs total approximately $2,500, including:

• Rental vehicle: $600

• Fuel: $260

• Pet-friendly hotels: $560

• Meals during travel: $300

• Flight for me to NYC to assist with packing and driving: $300

• Flight for me to get back to ATL: $200

Leaving New York after more than two decades, while still grieving such a deep loss, is not easy. This move is not about starting over immediately, but about reaching safety, family support, and a place where healing can begin.

Any amount helps, and sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful as donating. Thank you for helping make it possible for Jamie and his cats to reach a safer home surrounded by care.

Any funds raised over this amount will go to Jamie to help get him settled in Kansas.

With gratitude & Just Love, always,

Bala