Support Aileen Schlef's Cancer Recovery Journey

Stronger Together: Supporting Aileen Roberta Schlef on Her Road to Recovery

We are inviting friends and colleagues to contribute to this GoFundMe campaign for Aileen Schlef to make it possible for Aileen to start again, keep her home, and ramp up her search for work and other solutions.

Aileen has always been a private person. Few even now know the devastating news that, beginning18 months ago, she was battling cancer and enduring the long recovery process. Not one but two cancers were discovered at almost the same time. They were in the earlier stages, but one was a rare, dual merged cancer.

The surgeries and treatments were vigorous and although chemo ended in early October, as every cancer patient knows, the effects continue – close monitoring and ongoing tests go on for years.

It was with only a moment’s notice, Aileen had to put aside everything in her life. She was supported and cared for by friends and neighbors as she lost nearly 30 pounds and her hair--which is returning in a bright white bob. She did not see a computer screen for many months and was unable to continue to develop her work.

Aileen is emerging with great enthusiasm and a positive vision of the future – after dealing with three surgeries, chemo, and complex physical repercussions that complicate her recovery. Through the 18 months that she has been unable to work, Aileen has subsisted on a loan, support from friends, and meager social security payments. She is now able to begin the process of finding and returning to work.

This long time without income, plus a difficult treatment, have left Aileen in a precarious financial situation as she rebuilds her physical capacity and stamina. The ongoing bills for her small apartment and set-aside consultancy business continue to pile up. She is at risk of losing her home--which is also her small business office. There are substantial costs for starting to work again after more than 18 months or to reconfigure the apartment for a continuing roommate possibility. It is daunting to re-emerge.

Please join us!

We are asking you for help because Aileen has exhausted her other options. She needs $30,000 to pay off her debt and set fees to pay for her home. She wants to secure work to gain stability. With your help Aileen will be able to keep living in her apartment while she continues the journey of rebuilding. She is committed to reestablishing herself and her commitment to the civic and social programs that remain so important to her. And to paying it forward.

Any amount will help and be so appreciated. If you could spread this campaign on your social media, Aileen – and we her friends – will be so grateful.