Our friend Buffy is in a critical tight spot without a safety net and she just can’t seem to catch a break. Right now, they are days away from being evicted from their temporary housing and also face losing their vehicle, which is a lifeline for Bob in his job search and for Buffy’s medical appointments. On top of it all, this week Buffy received a life changing diagnosis of blood cancer.

The stress of facing homelessness during all of this is just too much. They just need a moment, a few days even, of breathing room. If you are able, there are a few ways you can help them.

Background on the last few months…

In the card game of life, the last five months have dealt Buffy and Bob a truly crappy hand and they are in the struggle of their lives. Without being overly dramatic, I will tell you the truth - they are a few days away from being homeless and having their truck repossessed, while Buffy has received yet another very serious medical diagnosis.

Last summer, seeking work opportunities for Bob, they departed Rhode Island for New Mexico. Buffy immediately started struggling with health problems at altitude and ended up admitted to the hospital, and has been in and out since. The hospital found she had serious blood clots in her lungs and other areas. She was put on strong blood thinners.

Thankfully, recent scans show that the blood thinners are working, but it has been a struggle to get and afford the medication. The hematologist is treating her for a blood cancer called Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), which is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), causing dysfunctional blood cells and bone marrow. This diagnosis explains the blood clots, spleen pain, difficulty breathing/getting oxygen, and the extreme fatigue she is experiencing. With ET she is equally at risk of getting more blood clots and also conversely hemorrhaging. It may even be connected to the severe diverticular infections she has suffered from. The biggest risk is it could turn into an aggressive acute leukemia at any time.

A couple months ago, they were also the victims of a crime. While parked at the motel where they are living, their gas tank on their truck was drilled into, causing $2,500 worth of damage. Another setback that bled any reserves they had. (photos of the crime included)

Bob worked 2 weeks at Thanksgiving for one shady Albuquerque employer, who lost his new hire paperwork and withheld his 51-hr paycheck on December 9. Buffy and Bob were forced to file a claim with the NM Dept.of Labor and are still waiting to receive that paycheck. They are able to visit the food bank but have exhausted any other local support. They live in a motel room longterm.

One bright spot was that Bob was accepted into the local pipefitters union in ABQ and completed a training program with the promise of work. Despite several other interviews, he has yet to secure a job. They are applying for jobs every day and the job market is really tough. They have expanded the job search nationally, mainly where there is health care and lower altitude for Buffy. If an opportunity comes outside of NM, they need funds to make the drive and get new temporary housing. Job leads for Bob, a certified pipefitter and MIG/TIG welder, are welcome anywhere in the US.

Our friend is living too close to the bone, and I don't want her health to get worse during this incredibly worrying time. If you can help with a financial contribution, it would have a significant impact on their physical and mental well-being knowing their truck isn't at risk and they will have a bed to sleep in while they continue to look for work. Job leads/job offers for Bob would also truly change their trajectory.

Thank you for your care and concern for our wonderful friend during a very difficult time. Right now, she needs all of us.

*you can message Buffy on FB Messenger and through Instagram. Contact me if you need her email address.