For the first time in my life, I am asking for your help

Dear Friends,

I may lose my car and be unable to pay rent within two months. How did I get here?

For the first time in my life, I’m reaching out for help. I’ve lived independently for over 16 years with no family or partner to support me. I’ve always been proud of being a hard worker and a go-getter, but after spending the summer healing from breast cancer, I realized the most significant source of my illness has been feeling unloved, unsupported, and unseen.

Though I may seem cheerful, in reality, I struggle with depression and loneliness. I’ve often spent holidays alone, and even those closest to me haven’t always understood how much I’ve been struggling—emotionally, financially, and in every other way. I’ve always been there for others, but now I find myself at a dead end, needing help myself.

Teaching piano and music has been my main income source, but living close to students with the necessary amenities has been costly. My rent has risen from $1,970 to $2,900, and with a grand piano that costs $2,000 to move, relocating is not an immediate option. After being diagnosed with breast cancer and also losing several students, I now earn less than my rent. My car lease ends soon, and I can’t afford a replacement. To make matters worse, I’m facing $16,000 in credit card debt from covering basic expenses.

Losing my mother in February—who had been my only source of support—has been emotionally and financially devastating. I’m also dealing with the stress of breast cancer, the strain on my physical health, and the uncertainty of upcoming treatments. The stress is taking its toll, and I fear that if I don’t rest and recover, the cancer may return.

Right now, I’m asking for your help financially or by spreading the word. I need time to heal, so as much as I appreciate offers for new students or work, my focus right now is on rest and recovery.

If you can contribute—$5, $10, $20, or anything at all—it would mean the world to me. If you can’t donate, I understand entirely, but perhaps you know someone who might want to sponsor an artist like me?

I am a multi-faceted artist:

-Concert pianist (I recently performed at Carnegie Hall to a packed audience Stern auditorium to thunderous applause)

-Composer (with original music for film and theater)

-Jazz vocalist (with performances on radio, in clubs, and at residencies)

-Comedian (performing throughout New England)

-Actress (finalist on a TV show, and lead actress on commercials, short film and theater)

-Reiki master healer

-An trailblazer in classical music, introducing improvisation to classical musicians

I plan to use this time to heal and pursue new artistic projects, including writing a book, giving talks, and creating more original music.

If you know of any donors, patrons, or sponsors interested in supporting my journey, I would deeply appreciate it if you could share my GoFundMe page.

Here are links to my work:

Website: https://sarahinfinitakagi.com/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahInfiniTakagi

If you would like, I’m happy to send a copy of my top selling album ( 2008) “Lavender Bouquet CD” to anyone who donates and requests it.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for any support you can offer, whether through a donation, sharing my story, or just sending good energy my way.

With profound gratitude,

Sarah