I would like to introduce you to Lynn Lee, a woman I read about in an article in The Wall Street Journal. After reading her story, I felt compelled to reach out and learn more about her life. Once we spoke and I truly understood her circumstances, I knew I had to help!

Lynn is turning 66 years old and is hoping that 2026 can finally bring her a future she can look forward to. Although she is at retirement age, like so many Americans today, she is still living paycheck to paycheck. The reality is frightening. Inflation has hit lower-income households the hardest—nearly 30% of Americans spend over 95% of their income on necessities, leaving no buffer for emergencies and homelessness can be just one setback away. Even more troubling, 12% of Americans aged 65 and older live in poverty.

Lynn’s situation worsened when she was laid off in April—her fourth layoff in just a few years. These job losses were not performance-related but the result of corporate downsizing. Living in a small town in South Carolina, opportunities are limited, and finding work at her age is incredibly challenging. Anyone over 60 understands this reality: before hiring managers ever see her resume or meet this kind, hardworking woman, automated hiring systems and algorithms often screen her out simply because of her age. Doors are closed before she ever has a chance to step inside.

Lynn is also a breast cancer survivor. While she fought bravely and won that battle, she is still burdened with medical debt from her treatments. On top of that, she carries a second mortgage on her home.

Despite these hardships—and during the holidays where this time of year can be especially painful for anyone who is unemployed, struggling, or alone—Lynn continues to face each day with dignity, perseverance, and grace. She is a proud woman. When we spoke, she shared that while she will reluctantly accept some help, she would much rather work. In her words: “I’m not charity—I just want to work.”

Hoping to secure a modest, dignified retirement, she dreams of long walks, watching sunrises and sunsets, visiting her children and grandchildren, and taking the occasional vacation. After a lifetime of hard work, is that really too much to ask?

That strength and humility moved me deeply. I encourage you to please click the link above and read her WSJ story—it is truly heartbreaking.

I’m opening this fundraiser to help Lynn finally experience relief, stability, and peace of mind—and ideally to allow her to reach retirement without needing to work anymore. Every dollar raised will go directly to supporting and helping her with living expenses, medical care and the small joys that make life more meaningful.

This fundraiser is currently a secret and I can’t wait to surprise Lynn and show her what a caring community can do when people come together.

Here's an Additional Way to Support Lynn:

I thought this through, weighing her yearning desire to work and accepting donations and I created what I feel can be the best of both worlds.

After many months of planning, development, and partnering with the right organizations, I launched a website called We Are Our World (WAOW)—built on the belief that when people come together, we can create real change through a platform for good. Shop With A Purpose: access thousands of brand-name products at discounted prices while making a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of others.

Here’s how it works:

I believe most people want to donate—the challenge isn’t a lack of compassion, but a lack of extra funds. WAOW acts as a catalyst, empowering and inspiring people to make a difference. With every purchase, you choose a charity from the Forbes Top 100 Charities and WAOW takes 5–10% of the purchase price and donates to support meaningful causes, people and animals in need at no additional cost to you. Plus, you’ll earn 5–10% cash back on every purchase as well.

Here’s how it can help Lynn:

I’ve informed Lynn about WAOW, and she has enthusiastically accepted my invitation to participate in the WAOW Invite-A-Friend Program. She truly loves this opportunity—especially knowing, as she put it, "that I not only have the opportunity to earn income and through other people’s purchases we can hopefully raise thousands of dollars for charities as well." By using her personal referral link — weareourworld.com/ref/llee1 — Lynn will earn 10% of every purchase.

Also, you'll notice on the site that there is an opportunity for an additional 5% coupon, which we're extending after the holidays and into the new year. Instead, please let’s honor Lynn and use this coupon at checkout: GetWAOW’D-LynnLee5%Off! and you'll receive an additional 5% off any purchase!

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Through both these efforts; it can be a winning combination to not only raise, but also earn her money to reach her retirement goal!

Lynn put in her time; she worked her whole life.

If you’ve ever been moved by someone’s courage, resilience and perseverance…

If you believe our elders deserve, security, comfort, respect and a better life...

If you want to be part of restoring someone’s faith in community and kindness…

Please consider donating, shopping through her referral link, or sharing her story and help us reach more people who want to make a difference. Any one, or all of these actions will help Lynn to reach her retirement goal.

Let’s show Lynn that her years of hard work were not in vain—and that she can finally enjoy the fruits of her labor with peace, dignity, and hope for the future. ❤️