Hi, my name is Angie and I’m writing on behalf of one of my besties, Amy Barnes, who is facing an unimaginable series of challenges, and I’m hoping you’ll join me in supporting her through this difficult time.

I met Amy in 2018 when she hired me to work as a massage therapist at a local spa, and from the moment I met her, I felt like I’d known her my entire life. She is funny, charismatic, sarcastic, lighthearted, and would do anything for anyone. Even when I quit that gawd awful place, Amy and I remained friends. We have been ride or die for all these years. With that beautiful smile of hers, you’d never know she is smiling through so much pain. Amy’s strength is unmatched—she’s the kind of person who hides behind her pain with laughter, for no other reason but the fact that she refuses to EVER give up.

Amy’s journey took a heartbreaking turn on July 4, 2022, when she tragically found her husband deceased in their home. This loss left her devastated, but what came next was even more overwhelming. Shortly after, Amy suffered a severe cardiac event that led to PTE (Pulmonary Thromboembolism) and ultimately required open heart and lung surgery. Since then, she has undergone nine subsequent heart and lung procedures and been through dozens of outpatient procedures, follow up appointments, prescriptions, etc. Through it all, she never stopped working—often from her hospital bed, like a boss bitch, in full makeup and laughing louder than ever.

This toll on her health has been relentless. Just recently, Amy lost her job and ended up back in the hospital about two weeks ago. Her medical bills are unsurmountable, but to make matters worse, she is now facing eviction from her home. Amy is a woman of incredible pride and strength—she would never ask for help, no matter how dire the circumstances. She’s too headstrong, too proud. So, I’m asking for her. Amy is the type of person who, when she’s on her feet again, will pay it forward tenfold. But right now, she needs a hand up, not a handout. Any amount, no matter how big or small will help her.