Our dear friend Tava has just been through one of the greatest shocks imaginable, the sudden loss of her loving partner, Cheryl. Tava and Cheryl had been registered domestic partners in Oregon for 21 years. But when Cheryl got up early on December 18th, 2024, to let their dogs out, she collapsed and died suddenly, still clutching the dog treats.

In the weeks following, Tava discovered that every part of the life she lived with Cheryl – including the home where the two had made many others feel safe and loved – she is now in danger of losing. Tava has a long career as an electrical engineer and works a stressful job in a workplace that has not been particularly welcoming to women, and perhaps even less so to lesbians. When Cheryl passed, Tava was on a paid medical leave and receiving treatment related to the stress. For reasons Tava doesn’t know, Cheryl, who managed their finances, had stopped paying bills six months before her death. This has left Tava with an immediate need to catch up.

Unfortunately, Cheryl’s children have been uncooperative and cold. Gaining access to Cheryl’s death certificate and assembling proof of the right of survivorship Tava believes she has regarding their property has proven to be a struggle. As her dear friends, it makes us so sad to see a friend who has always been welcoming and generous, over the years and over the decades, have to endure such troubles.

We are reaching out to our widest circle of friends, associates, neighbors, and all the communities of which Tava and Cheryl have been a part, seeking immediate contributions. $20,000 would catch Tava up on the mortgage and bills and give her breathing room to figure out whether to return to her job or find new employment.

Please join us in contributing to help Tava recover and rebuild.