Standing with Cait: Our Community Champion

Cait’s recovery fund ensures medical bills, therapy, and essential care for her family

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14 donors
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$750 raised of 

Standing with Cait: Our Community Champion

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Title: Support Cait: Our Community Champion’s Road to Recovery
The Heart of Our Community Needs Us
For the last five years, if you’ve enjoyed the vibrant energy of Manlius Pride or wandered through a seasonal Artist Market at Seneca Street Brew Pub, you’ve experienced the hard work and heart of Cait.

As a co-founder of Manlius Pride and the dedicated organizer behind our local art markets, Cait has spent her life creating spaces for others to shine, celebrate, and belong. Now, she is facing a fight of her own, and it is our turn to hold the space for her.

The Diagnosis: Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Recently, Cait’s life was put on an agonizing "pause." She has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.

For over four months, Cait has been hospitalized, battling intense pain and temporary paralysis in her arms and legs. For an artist and organizer who is always on the move, being unable to move is a devastating reality. As Cait shared recently:

"This has been a difficult pause, but I'm hopeful and excited to return to creating, coordinating markets, and teaching workshops as soon as I'm able. Thank you so much for your patience, kindness, and continued support."

Why We Are Raising Funds
Cait isn't just a community leader; she is a single mother to a 7-year-old daughter. While she focuses on the grueling physical therapy required to walk again, the world outside hasn't stopped.

The funds raised will go directly toward:

Mounting Medical Bills: Three months (and counting) of specialized hospital care and neurological treatment.

Rehabilitation: Extensive physical and occupational therapy to help her regain mobility.

Living Expenses: Supporting her and her daughter while she is unable to work, fulfill art commissions, or run markets.

Future Care: Necessary equipment or home adjustments needed for her transition back home.

How You Can Help
Cait has spent years raising money for LGBTQ+ charities and supporting local artists. She is the backbone of the Seneca Street Brew Pub community. Let’s make sure she can focus entirely on her recovery without the crushing weight of financial stress.

Donate: Any amount helps, whether it’s the cost of a pint or a larger contribution.

Share: Post this link to your social media and tell a story about how Cait has impacted you.

Send Love: Keep Cait and her daughter in your thoughts as she navigates this long road back to health.

We love you, Cait. We can’t wait to see you back at the pub, leading the way.

Organizer and beneficiary

Heidi Menikheim
Organizer
Manlius, NY
Cait Heiman
Beneficiary
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