Hello. My name is Steve Bickis. I am raising funds for Gina Nelson, whose life partner (and friend of mine) tragically passed away in September 2025 after losing a four-year cancer battle, leaving her financially destitute, deprived of any income beyond her limited disability subsidy (approximately $1,600/month), and without anyone in the house to help navigate her wheelchair-constrained and medically challenged life.

While coping with the loss and aftermath of her partner's death, an untimely fire destroyed her landlord's home, forcing him to evict Gina to meet his own family's needs.

The situation is dire. She faces the immediate need for significant funds to avoid utility disconnection, packing and moving expenses, first and last months' rental, and utility deposits, as well as likely up to 10 months of rent in the high-priced Asheville market, as both subsidized housing and agency rental assistance are reported to be about 8 months or longer to obtain.

Gina is an incredibly resilient and fiercely independent human being. She survived getting shot by a former husband 30 years ago, which paralyzed her from the lower chest down. She survived breast cancer and other major medical events, including an ulcer she's dealing with now. And for the last four years, she was there for her now-deceased life partner (they were together for 16 years). She is the definition of "one tough cookie."

Yet, clearly, she needs significant and immediate financial assistance. She has no other financial resources beyond the above-mentioned subsidy; her family all live hundreds of miles out of state and are of ages and circumstances that render them unable to offer much help.

Please consider donating what you can and passing this request on to as many people as you can. Your generosity and kindness and theirs will be deeply appreciated.