There are people in this world who quietly give everything they have—without ever asking for anything in return. My best friend, Elizabeth, is one of those rare souls.

We met in downtown Nashville when I moved into her building. From the very beginning, I saw something extraordinary in her. Elizabeth is not only physically strong—a dedicated Pilates instructor who inspires others to care for their bodies—but she is also deeply intelligent, with a brilliance that is matched only by her emotional depth. Yet she never speaks about herself. She is always the one lifting others up, showing up, giving, supporting—whether to friends, strangers, or even animals in need.

The day we met says everything about who she is. She had found an injured hummingbird on the sidewalk after it flew into a high-rise building. Without hesitation, she dropped everything and drove hours to get that tiny bird the care it needed. A hummingbird. That is the level of compassion Elizabeth lives with every single day.

And now, she needs us.

On December 16th, Elizabeth traveled to Los Angeles to spend Christmas with her mother. She has not been able to return home—or to work—since.

Her mother, 84 years old, has suffered multiple small strokes and lives with a serious heart condition. She now requires placement in an assisted living facility with specialized medical care. A retired PhD professor of Art History, her mother devoted her life to education—teaching at institutions like Baylor, the University of Washington, UCLA, and FIDM, and working with renowned museums including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Seattle Art Museum. Her passion was bringing art to life—helping students not just see it, but feel it.

Elizabeth’s father, 83 years old and a retired University of Washington professor of rocket science, has also been in Los Angeles supporting her mother. They have remained devoted partners in caring for one another. He owns a condo in Seattle, but it requires significant repairs before it can be sold—and he no longer has the financial means to make those repairs. His life’s work helped shape future leaders in aerospace, including contributors to NASA’s Artemis mission to the moon.

As if this weren’t enough, Elizabeth’s uncle—a 76 year-old special needs adult currently in a care facility—will lose his funding support in August, adding yet another urgent layer to an already overwhelming situation.

Despite having long-term investments, none of these assets can be accessed quickly enough to meet the immediate and critical needs they now face. Elizabeth and her family have exhausted their available resources.

Without help, they will run out of funds by August.

With support, they can secure safe and appropriate care for her mother, stabilize living arrangements, complete necessary repairs to unlock financial resources, and create a sustainable path forward.

Elizabeth has spent her entire life showing up for others—giving her time, her energy, her heart—without ever asking for anything in return.

Today, I, on behalf of all who love her and her family, we are asking on her behalf.

If you are able, please consider contributing. Every donation—no matter the size—helps bring stability, care, and hope to a family that has given so much to others.