Hello! My name is Fran and I’m a board member of the labor union United Professional Organizers.

We’re organizing a gofundme for our comrade in labor, Carolynn Ekbaeck from UPO and CWA-TSEU Local 6186.

Over the last past years Carolynn has carefully crafted organizing campaigns for UT San Antonio, TAMU-SA, and other state agencies and educational institutions across San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

A few months ago she was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), which is non-curable. This news has impacted her quality of life, especially in her community organizing work through CWA-TSEU Local 6186. She will need treatment for as long as she lives and her medical team is hopeful that with treatment she’ll be able to slow the progression of the cancer and live a long and fulfilling life.

Before she begins treatment, her medical team has recommended major surgery for another urgent medical condition stemming from endometriosis, as the window for surgery closes as the cancer progresses. We are helping her raise financial resources so she can afford her living expenses during recovery and pay for upcoming medical expenses for her surgery and cancer treatment.

A word from Carolynn herself:

“Thank you so much for supporting me and my family during this difficult time. Unfortunately the burden has taken a toll over the last year as I’ve battled the financial strains of the health care system in the US, and specifically in the state of Texas. I struggle as a single mom with my disabilities, but I know I can fight this, get better, and soon help other workers fight this for-profit healthcare system again too.

I know I’m in great hands with my medical team at UT Health San Antonio & MD Anderson Cancer Center. I’m grateful to them for providing quality care to manage my symptoms and treatment plan.

I’m also overwhelmingly grateful to my family and friends, especially my comrades in labor: United Professional Organizers, who organized this gofundme; and CWA-TSEU Local 6186, the union I’ve been a member of and currently am an organizer for.

Between my coworkers donating sick leave and union members organizing meal prep for my recovery, I am ever so eternally grateful. We are showcasing what power unions can have in building community. Without the support of the union, my community, and care teams I’d lack the resources, safety, and capacity to maintain my health and build the organized workforces in Texas.

How can you help? I appreciate anything you can offer, even just a share, $20, or $50+. But also don’t forget to join a union!

I will be sure to keep you updated on my progress. Thank yall so much!”

In solidarity,

Carolynn Ekbaeck