Parents know that having a sick child is awful, even more so when multiple medical professionals can't determine what's wrong.

Our friend, Tasha, has been dealing with this over the past 18 months.

Those blessed to know Tasha can attest to her kind and humble heart. Tasha is the mother, sister and friend who always assists those around her, but she's often the last person to reach out and ask for help when she or her family needs support and kindness. So we - her friends, co-workers, fellow moms and neighbors - are stepping up to ask on her behalf.

Tasha has been a resident of Oak Park since 2016, raising her two children, working, and engaging in community life here. Like many of us, Tasha has her hands full. With one child in preschool and another in high school, she is balancing two very different school schedules. She has also been working full-time at the Sugar Beet Food Co-op and supporting her partner as he takes on the role of primary caregiver for his aging mother.

Tasha was inundated when her oldest child started experiencing some health issues almost two years ago. As a working mother with no car, Tasha struggled to get to doctor's appointments or to pick up prescriptions and groceries. When her son's medical problems continued to be undiagnosed and unresolved, and when he repeatedly missed days of school due to pain and fatigue, Tasha was forced to go on FMLA to be able to spend more time advocating and caring for her children.

With limited income coming in since September, Tasha is in critical need of community support.

We launched this GoFundMe to invite the generous local community to lift this loving mother and her family up during a difficult time. We aim to raise $15,000 to help cover six months of rent, housing expenses, and groceries, as well as purchase multiple Uber/Lyft gift cards to ensure that Tasha can take her son to all his appointments without stress.

Tasha is one of us. Her kids are out kids. Her struggles are our struggles. If everyone who reads this donated even $5, we could dramatically change her family's situation. If you can afford more, consider contributing $200 or schedule a reminder to yourself for a recurring contribution of $30/month for the next 6 months. (GoFundMe doesn't currently have an option for automatic recurring contributions)