This is me and my friend, Kristen when I visited San Diego a few months ago. She has spent her life mentoring students to become public health practitioners and working toward a smoke-free, vape-free society. Recently, she was diagnosed with a non-malignant neuroma that impedes her hearing and her balance. It has grown so large that surgery is now critical, but - as with all surgeries close to the brain - it comes with risks.

Kristen navigated herself to a superb surgical team at UC San Diego, but in order to be able to access this exceptional group that was out of her normal healthcare network, her supplemental insurance and out of pocket costs will be approximately $13,000. She is too humble to ask others for help, but I know she needs some support. Can you chip in to help my friend worry about one less thing while she prepares for her upcoming surgery? I appreciate you!