Supporting Hrana & Dave

Hello lovely people,

 

Many of you likely know that our dear friend and dance community member, Hrana, has been dealing with early onset dementia for the last 6 years. This has made her world so much smaller. Hrana has required more and more assistance with daily tasks, and the lion share of that care has fallen on her beloved Dave. August 2021 was her last Dance New England Camp, as her condition is declining and will make further attendance impossible. It is heartbreaking to see someone who has been the living embodiment of joy and magic fade from us; to see the light dim so quickly.

 

Hrana will need to move to an assisted living facility memory care unit, and until then she needs help with her daily care; both of these are costly and difficult to find. Hrana and Dave have a lovely property in New Paltz, NY that needs tending, cleaning, gardening; being able to pay for assistance would be incredibly helpful during this time of transition. This GoFundMe is aimed at easing the financial burden of this difficult time for these wonderful humans - any gift you are able to make is meaningful.

 

On a personal note - I have known Hrana for over 4 decades, our bond is deep and significant. Spending time with her at Dance New England's Welcome Home Camp just a few days ago was some of my best time on this planet. Connecting with her and her beloved, Dave, gave me something intangible and inspiring.

 

 

 

(Above, a photo from their wedding)

 

Seeing Hrana for the first time at the High School of Art & Design is one of my most indelible memories: I first encountered her as a gazelle in human form prancing on the outdoor space we had for lunch breaks. Hrana was skipping, almost flying around that tarred ground in layers and yards of purple fabric flowing from her body and a waterfall of bells cascading from her waist.

 

Hrana was raised in New York City, and began selling her unique artwork in the Village while still in high school. Her work has been shared the world over through the Goddess Oracle Deck, and numerous illustrations in books. Her illustrations were featured in The Power of Myth, a book and PBS series by Bill Moyers. She has created a library of illustrated goddesses, an illuminated alphabet (as well as designing over three dozen book covers.

 

Shortly after graduating Hrana connected to Dance New England by showing up at the Barefoot Boogie, a DNE member dance since the early 1980's. After leaving NYC she found herself in the New Paltz, area, where noting the lack of a dance she birthed Freestyle Frolic to become another member dance of DNE.

 

In August 1995 Hrana and Dave connected at Dance New England's Summer Camp and have been soul mates since that first night when they stayed up talking until dawn. They have spent hundreds of hours together making music as deejays, nurturing their land, sharing events like the Pisces Party, Fairy Fest, and Beltane, and of course returning each year to DNE's camp - creating trails of love and magic everywhere they went.

 

 

 

 

(a photo of some of 170 pounds of kiwi berries they grew on their land, 2013)

 

In creating this letter, I discovered how widespread her vision has gone around this world, how many people treasure the Goddess Oracle cards. Additionally I found two links that capture some of the music that inspired her, on BandCamp find her collection here , and on SoundCloud here .

 

We are asking people to donate funds to provide assistance for the most basic of tasks (eating, changing clothes, taking meds); help with their house and land; as well as their eventual move from their storybook home (to Jimi Two Feathers’ home in Concord, MA for the duration of Hrana’s illness). Messages of love and support will help sustain them emotionally as well.

 

 

 

 

 

(a photo that captures Hrana's fairy spirit, by Jacki Dickert, 2013)

 

We are asking people to donate funds to provide assistance for the most basic of tasks (eating, changing clothes, taking meds); help with their house and land; as well as their eventual move from their storybook home (to Jimi Two Feathers’ home in Concord, MA for the duration of Hrana’s illness). Messages of love and support will help sustain them emotionally as well.

 

Any amount you can contribute makes a difference. Please also share your memories of Hrana and Dave in the comments, which will be shared with them.

 

If you have any questions about additional ways to help them, please contact me!

 

in community

with love

Samantha