Why I’m Reaching Out
After coming dangerously close to losing my life earlier this year, I’m reaching out for support during a critical period of healing and rebuilding.
Stable housing became essential for my recovery — not simply shelter, but a safe foundation where my body could begin to heal and I could start rebuilding my life with greater stability, renewed purpose, and the ability to contribute meaningfully again.
About Me
My name is Elizabeth Germain. For over 25 years, I worked as a private chef, food writer, recipe developer, and teacher of healthy, whole-food cooking. My passion has always been nourishing others’ health and lives, and, out of deep care for the earth, my work has extended into leadership roles that support local agriculture and sustainable living.
My Health Crisis
In February, I experienced a medical crisis involving internal bleeding and came dangerously close to losing my life. I was hospitalized for nearly two weeks and required two blood transfusions. My body was severely depleted, and I am still in recovery. My doctors have made it clear that returning to full-time work too quickly could lead to a serious setback—possibly even major surgery. I am not out of the woods yet.
How I Got Here
The path here has been gradual but relentless. Over the past several years, I’ve faced a series of escalating challenges. In 2020, I lost my health. In 2021, I lost my home. In 2022, while rebuilding, I was in a no-fault car accident that injured both of my rotator cuffs. I was unable to move forward with the needed surgery because I did not have a home to recover in. Being unable to work as a private chef significantly hindered my financial recovery and depleted my savings. There were periods where I was living in campgrounds while trying to heal and rebuild. It was a shocking shift—from earning a substantial living to struggling to meet basic needs—and I experienced firsthand how quickly instability can take hold.
Resilient & Resourceful
Through all of this, I have been doing everything I could to move forward. Building on decades of experience, I became certified as a health and wellness coach, including specialized training for highly sensitive individuals. I’ve come to understand that my highly sensitive system is not a weakness. It’s a core part of how I experience and engage with the world. But it also requires a stable, supportive home to function and heal. Without that foundation—physically and energetically—my body doesn’t just become depleted; it begins to shut down.
What I Need
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, I was able to secure stable housing — something that has been profoundly important for my healing and recovery.
I am now focused on rebuilding from the ground up while continuing to heal physically, emotionally, and financially after an extremely difficult period of instability and medical crisis.
Current needs include:
• Maintaining stable housing during my recovery and rebuilding process
• Creating a modest financial cushion for rent and essential living expenses during this transition
• Essential car repairs and reliable transportation for medical care and work
• Prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses related to an ongoing eye condition
• A supportive mattress to aid rest, recovery, and physical healing
• Replacing several basic household necessities after years of instability
• Upgrading my aging 2015 computer so I can continue rebuilding my livelihood through writing, coaching, teaching, and online work
This fundraiser is helping to build a bridge from survival to genuine stability — a foundation that allows me to heal, regain strength, and move forward with dignity and hope.
What My Vision Is
My desire is to move into work that aligns with what's been incubating in my heart. I intend to coach and mentor both locally and online. I am working on my website. And my first book, A Safe & Sacred Kitchen: Your Self-Care Sanctuary, is almost finished. I plan to offer an online class to share its practical wisdom once I’ve secured stable housing and improved my health.
How You Can Support
• Donate — Any amount is truly welcome and deeply appreciated.
• Share — Sharing this fundraiser helps it reach the people who can support it.
I am at a pivotal moment. With your support, I can fully heal, avoid major surgery, and get back on my feet.
Thank you for reading, for your support, and for holding me in your thoughts or prayers.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Elizabeth