PLEASE HELP ME FIX MY GET AWAY STICK!

Hey everybody! Wow. I never really thought I would be writing a Go Fund Me for myself. But here I am. I recently tested the waters with a little blurb on the socials and was really blown away by all of your positive replies and encouragement!!!

Anyone that knew me in my younger years knew how bulletproof I was. I could walk farther, stay up later, work harder, juggle responsibilities, make stuff happen AND party all the time. I was called a cast iron skillet girl.

Anyone who knows me now hears me say ”OUCH” a lot and assists my continual search for my misplaced walking stick (a.k.a. shillelagh).

The last decade has basically worn out my right knee. I have tried Cortisone shots, acupuncture, icing, elevating, compression, bracing, taping, physical therapy and so on and so on. But the current x-rays clearly identify the reason for all that intense pain and difficulty moving around…. advanced bone on bone osteoarthritis.

I am slated for a total knee replacement on October 6, 2023. After which I will be focused on healing and unable to work for at least 3 months.

I am currently an independent contractor... a freelancer which provides no sick leave, sabbatical or other financial support. You don't work- you don't get paid.

My lifelong commitment to working in creative fields with creative people has been an extremely rich adventure that unfortunately, has not made me rich. However, when wealth is measured by the privilege of wonderful friendships- I am filthy rich in that regard!

My current gig helping to style and prop for editorial product photography is pretty artsy and can be exciting but it also ain’t no desk job and takes a toll on the old joints. I am grateful to work with an amazing team (most days all women) who have been so helpful and accommodating that I will be able to limp through my last shoot of the year next week!

Today I am asking for your help. This is not easy for me. But I need to free myself from the worry that not getting paid for an extended period of time is bound to bring. I plan to use this fund for basic needs, medical bills uncovered by insurance, mobility gear and home retrofit as well as transportation to and from doctor and PT appointments, meal deliveries, and such. Brian will be here coaching me and taking care of me while I recover.

Anything that you, my friends, feel like doing to make this process a little easier and less stressful will be forever appreciated.

I cannot begin to tell you all how amazing you are!! I am a very lucky old lady!!