For the last 10 years our friend Tatiana has been dealing with a number of health issues, all the while supporting herself through long periods of unpaid leave from work. Two injuries, a heart infection leading to the diagnosis of CVID (an immunodeficiency disease that required 7 years of monthly hospital visits and at home treatment to this day), 4 surgeries, Lyme disease, concussion and other circumstances resulting in countless months of unpaid leave.

Through it all she has done her best to not let it get her down and supported herself with some wonderful friends and family standing by her side.

She has never asked for help like this.

This time, we want to help Tanya with her recovery.

Just after Christmas, she fell on the icy steps and bit it really hard. Ice, heat, sleep, repeat: 5 inflamed discs of the lumbar spine will require up to 6 weeks off from working with limited activity followed by reintegration into low impact movement therapy and easing into work life balance. Thank the stars, Tatiana will not need surgery per surgeon's review of MRI.

With proper care she will recover well!

Most of you know that Tatiana works outdoors at a well loved New Haven community park, as well as with other clients. "I can't wait to feel well-strong and return to full-time work this early Spring. In time, with patient focus and the fortitude of the most determined, I will heal. Slowly, slowly, as they say".

She's a Phoenix that's for sure!

For now, as an independent contractor, she is ineligible for assistance like FMLA or CT paid leave programs.

Asking for help is a hard thing to do. For Tanya, this took long contemplation before giving us the permission to create this fundraiser to assist with covering her bills, basic needs and some of the therapy not covered by insurance while she is out of work and recovering. Healing requires a stress free time frame and we want to do what we can to give that to her. As friends and community, we can gather together to support this amazing woman as she returns to living her soul purpose tending the land, the dancing that she so loves and continuing to journey herself through a spiritual life and guide others.

Let's rise up and help a friend in need!