Help Abby Fight the Good Fights!
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There are few things in life I hate: one is asking for money. But even more so than that: I despise inequity, inequality and injustice. It's taken everything in me to get pass my pride and exercise humility by inescapably asking for some financial help. Two reasons: 1) to finally help myself as a single mother in a time of need; and 2) to help fund my opportunity to do something for the greater good of my country in a time of need.
During the past two years I've burned through my savings and retirement earnings in helping my elderly parents through a series of catastrophic health emergencies - an amputation due to diabetes, a bone breaking fall and a debilitating stroke; and now I have my own battles with fibromyalgia and cancer.
During the darkest moments dealing with cancer and financial struggles, friends encouraged me to start a Go Fund Me account to support myself, my son and most importantly my treatment costs. However, I did not feel comfortable asking for donations to help with household bills. Fortunately, the worst is behind me and I'm hoping I will receive news in the fall that I am in remission.
Last month, however, in between job searches, vocational rehabilitation and physical therapy, I was suddenly and unexpectedly catapulted into a National Delegation role representing the State of Oregon at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. This will be a historical event which I never expected to take part in, let alone prepare for financially. I now realize asking for money is about something far larger than just myself which has helped me to make this request.
For decades, I have always been a humble servant in a myriad of volunteer capacities both locally and internationally. This time, however, I have been asked to serve on a national level, voted by my congressional district - the most populous in the state - to represent more than 600,000 registered voters. Since 56.8 percent of Oregonians cast a ballot for Sen. Bernie Sanders winning in every county except for one, I am a pledged by my own convictions and Oregon law to support his leadership at the convention.
For decades, Bernie has been a rare public servant who has consistently exercised integrity, fighting against a corrupt political and economic system that has contributed to the degradation of our country. Bernie has been a stalwart maverick in fighting for equity, equality and justice for all Americans, not just the wealthy 1 percent. He is a humanist, interested in improving this planet, both its people and the environment. Therefore, he is a leader I can stand behind.
Ever since his candidacy began - win or lose on a national scale - Bernie represents a movement far greater then himself as well. It has always been about platforms - initiatives and innovations - that serve the interests of all Americans and humanity as a whole. Regardless of where your politics or personal sentiments are aligned, I ask that you support me, trusting that I will support your interests in preserving our planet with platforms such as supporting a carbon tax and a demand to end fracking, requiring equity by increasing taxes from the wealthy upper 3 percent in this country which has given rise to an oligarchy, helping working families and small businesses, defending equality and justice issues, as well as creating better access to affordable education and health care. I want to see my neighbors, my communities, my fellow Americans not be further robbed of opportunities to thrive in life and in particular create measures for a sustainable planet that my grandchildren's grandchildren can enjoy just as I have had the privilege to see and enjoy in my lifetime.
Unfortunately, the estimated cost for my representation at the Democratic National Convention is $4000, - airfare, super inflated hotel charges, participation fees covering ground transportation and security, and meals. Frankly I think part of what has kept the establishment in tact is because most people do not have the know-how, energy or finances to fight the status quo. It is a cost that I as a single mother already grappling with cancer and fibromyalgia am not able to afford on my own. But with your help, any amount you can offer - whether $5, $15, $25, $50 or $500 - will be a contribution toward something greater than all of us.
During the past two years I've burned through my savings and retirement earnings in helping my elderly parents through a series of catastrophic health emergencies - an amputation due to diabetes, a bone breaking fall and a debilitating stroke; and now I have my own battles with fibromyalgia and cancer.
During the darkest moments dealing with cancer and financial struggles, friends encouraged me to start a Go Fund Me account to support myself, my son and most importantly my treatment costs. However, I did not feel comfortable asking for donations to help with household bills. Fortunately, the worst is behind me and I'm hoping I will receive news in the fall that I am in remission.
Last month, however, in between job searches, vocational rehabilitation and physical therapy, I was suddenly and unexpectedly catapulted into a National Delegation role representing the State of Oregon at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. This will be a historical event which I never expected to take part in, let alone prepare for financially. I now realize asking for money is about something far larger than just myself which has helped me to make this request.
For decades, I have always been a humble servant in a myriad of volunteer capacities both locally and internationally. This time, however, I have been asked to serve on a national level, voted by my congressional district - the most populous in the state - to represent more than 600,000 registered voters. Since 56.8 percent of Oregonians cast a ballot for Sen. Bernie Sanders winning in every county except for one, I am a pledged by my own convictions and Oregon law to support his leadership at the convention.
For decades, Bernie has been a rare public servant who has consistently exercised integrity, fighting against a corrupt political and economic system that has contributed to the degradation of our country. Bernie has been a stalwart maverick in fighting for equity, equality and justice for all Americans, not just the wealthy 1 percent. He is a humanist, interested in improving this planet, both its people and the environment. Therefore, he is a leader I can stand behind.
Ever since his candidacy began - win or lose on a national scale - Bernie represents a movement far greater then himself as well. It has always been about platforms - initiatives and innovations - that serve the interests of all Americans and humanity as a whole. Regardless of where your politics or personal sentiments are aligned, I ask that you support me, trusting that I will support your interests in preserving our planet with platforms such as supporting a carbon tax and a demand to end fracking, requiring equity by increasing taxes from the wealthy upper 3 percent in this country which has given rise to an oligarchy, helping working families and small businesses, defending equality and justice issues, as well as creating better access to affordable education and health care. I want to see my neighbors, my communities, my fellow Americans not be further robbed of opportunities to thrive in life and in particular create measures for a sustainable planet that my grandchildren's grandchildren can enjoy just as I have had the privilege to see and enjoy in my lifetime.
Unfortunately, the estimated cost for my representation at the Democratic National Convention is $4000, - airfare, super inflated hotel charges, participation fees covering ground transportation and security, and meals. Frankly I think part of what has kept the establishment in tact is because most people do not have the know-how, energy or finances to fight the status quo. It is a cost that I as a single mother already grappling with cancer and fibromyalgia am not able to afford on my own. But with your help, any amount you can offer - whether $5, $15, $25, $50 or $500 - will be a contribution toward something greater than all of us.
Organizer
Abby Collins
Organizer
Portland, OR
