Hi, my name is Ali Bowen. I'm starting this GoFundMe for dear friends of mine, Jena Baird and her husband, Clark Baird, and their family. Clark and Jena are long-time members of the Paso Robles and Atascadero Communities. They are well known in our small communities. Many of you might know Jena predominantly as a yogi. She has always provided community to us through her yoga studio and has sacrificed tremendously to keep it going during the worst of times so that we'd have a place for community and healing. Many of you might know Clark as a contractor...generously helping people to complete their visions for projects big and small through his contractor company. Many of you may have also seen their three adorable daughters tooling around with Jena or with Clark while working. And those of you who have the honor of knowing them have likely experienced the amazing individuals they all are.

 

Just like all of us, they were busy riding the ups and downs of life and trying their best to earn a living and take care of their family, but life as they knew it all changed on October 1st. Clark was viciously attacked by two men and wound up in the ICU with multiple injuries, particularly to his leg. The injuries are so severe that there is no surgeon in our county who can complete the multiple surgeries needed. To make matters worse, Clark's insurance will not cover a good deal of the medical expenses and related expenses, such as loss of income...as he was in business for himself. Jena will also have to work less in order to take care of Clark's responsibilities and to help care for him after the surgeries.

 

For any of us who has ever gone through a really hard time, there is nothing more that matters than when others-- whether friends, family, or community--reach out and lend a helping hand or a listening ear or do something that lightens the load. For the truth is that we all need each other; we're all connected and what happens to one of us really does in one way or another affect us all. Right now, Clark and Jena need us to help lighten their financial burden. Would you please join me in showing them that we care about them and their family, that we are better and stronger together than we are on our own?