Charlotte is a dear friend who needs help as a sudden medical crisis has turned her life upside down. What began as an ER trip for kidney stones has become much more serious. She has a twisted intestine, and doctors also found a mass. Next week, Charlotte will travel to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to get the care she needs and learn whether surgery will be necessary.

Right now, Charlotte is in so much pain that she sleeps 21 to 22 hours a day and cannot work. At only 30 years old, this is an enormous burden to carry. She is carrying the weight of her health, the uncertainty of what comes next, and the fear of what will happen to the bakery she has poured her heart into for the past 5 years. That bakery is her lifelong dream, and she cares deeply about her community, her staff, and her customers. Her employees have stepped up however they can during this crisis. Still, they are not Charlotte, and the bakery cannot run the same way without her.

This is happening at an especially difficult time, as the business is heading into a busy season with weddings in the mountains and holiday orders. Even in the best-case scenario, she expects to be out of commission for at least a month, and more likely 2 to 3 months while she receives treatment and recovers. Charlotte has a lot of pride and really did not want to ask for help, but at this point she has very little choice. That is why I said I would create this fundraiser for her.

Funds from this fundraiser will help keep the bakery doors open by covering the expenses that continue while Charlotte cannot work, with payroll likely being the biggest expense, along with rent and electric. Predictable ongoing support would make a real difference in helping the bakery stay afloat through the weeks ahead, and one-time donations would also mean so much right now.

Charlotte has been such a blessing to the community and has given so much. I am hoping people will step up for her in her time of need. If you are able, please donate, make a recurring donation, or share this fundraiser to support Charlotte during this painful and uncertain time. Every act of kindness will help protect the business she has worked so hard to build while she focuses on getting the care she needs.