If you’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing Sky and Taylor, you know how much they mean to this community. Their generosity and willingness to help others has touched all those that have known them. Sky has spent over ten years in the Chicago music scene, from booking shows, running a show space, working in some of our favorite venues, spearheading fundraisers, participating in mutual aid—showing up in whatever way they could. Taylor has been a growing part of the community at St. Mark Lutheran Church, where he has been preaching since 2021, as well as working with the youth of St. Mark’s at Vacation Bible School and their annual Christmas play.

While only in their twenties, both Sky and Taylor became the caregivers of 4 family members. While this came with its own significant challenges, they always had a plan and managed to overcome any obstacles thrown their way. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are now calling for community wide support:

In only the span of one week, Taylor and Sky have experienced two profound family losses–the most significant loss being that of their mother–after having lost their father 5 years ago. While many would have time to grieve and family to lean on in this process, Sky and Taylor are on their own as they sort through their families affairs and work to place their grandmother into assisted living as neither are capable of providing the level of care needed at this time.

The costs associated with losing not one but two loved ones have been insurmountable. In addition to cremation and burial costs, they have been left responsible for the costs of cleaning and clearing out one apartment and one house, their family storage unit, settling their grandmother’s debt to secure her place in assisted living, and paying to break their grandmother and moms newly signed lease. They had been facing existing expenses prior to this loss, such as vet bills for Sky’s beloved elderly cat, and Taylor's ongoing medical costs from a car accident in January. Their respective mental health treatment costs and their general cost of living need to be considered as well, as we help them get back on their feet.

As Sky (and Taylor’s) community, we are looking to raise $10,000 to help them cover the above listed costs as well as help with their living costs while having lost income due to time off. The expenses these two are facing put them in a position that, without help, could have them facing bankruptcy, houselessness, and without their own medical care.

Times are insanely tough, and it is no secret that so many are struggling. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing within your own networks and communities.

Imagine having spent your 20s being responsible for the wellbeing of all the adults in your family and being unable to close this chapter, mourn, or imagine a new future due to the looming financial threat of having lost every single dollar along with the knowledge you have lost almost all of your family. Every single dollar counts, and helps, during an incredibly difficult time. If you would like to see a breakdown of all costs, please reach out to Eli using the email address connected to this fundraiser for a transparent list.