Hello Friends,

I’m starting this GoFundMe because, for the past two years, I’ve watched my friend and new neighbor, Stella Lyn, ride a roller coaster of one serious medical issue after another. All the while, making two big cross-country moves, dealing with unexpected, costly house repairs, and going through a devastating family upheaval that has left her financially insecure. She absolutely needs time and financial support to heal completely and I’m asking friends and greater community to help Stella focus on her recovery and not stress about finances.

Stella has undergone four major surgeries since early 2024 that have been plagued with complications, multiple trips to the ER, chronic pain and a slow and incomplete recovery. Recently, it was discovered that she would need a fifth major surgery and that was performed in Anchorage on November 1, 2025. It will be a several month journey to get back to the relatively low level of energy she had achieved this past summer. Once she heals enough, she will immediately start an immunosuppressant drug that may also require an adjustment period and make it difficult to work.

Those who know her will tell you it is hard to stop Stella from over-doing. This summer she grew a beautiful garden, raised a flock of chickens and kept bees all while getting training and certification to restart her paused career of caring for new families in her nascent business, Origin Story Birth Services.

But right now her body is demanding that she slow way, way down and, in her case, there is no paid medical leave that would help that scenario. Her medical costs are being covered for the most part, but there are so many extra costs associated with all of it. And, she is returning to living by herself, outside of Fairbanks, Alaska in the winter and will not be able to do basic tasks for a while, let alone continue pursuing making a living. We neighbors can help out with chores, but even basic living creates expensive monthly bills this time of year.

Our donations will be going to these expenses and I know Stella would appreciate any amount, big or small, that you can give. And whether you can or can’t support financially, sharing this campaign through your social media channels, and directly with folks not on social media is a really big help too. Let’s allow Stella to get back to her healthy, vibrant self again.