Urgent Help for Ben's Human

UPDATE: September 19, 2024.

First, a massive thank you to all of who have donated, reached out, hugged me, fed me... I love you all.

Ben and I are still fighting and we refuse to give up. I am choosing to get vulnerable and raw honest, but to state the need point blank:

THE NEED:

Today I received the news that my storage unit is set for auction on October 8. This means I will likely lose everything unless a miracle happens... family photos, cards, letters, handmade gifts from loved ones, race bibs and medals, a hat that Tony Horton (creator of P90X, Power of 4) gave me when I was in his fitness program test group, the only photos of my German shepherd pitty girl, my huge warm beautiful handmade quilt... I even have my bachelor degree, CPM, and two irreplaceable certificates I earned for 2 years of studying spiritual healing and deliverance ministry, thehard drive with my portfolio of work.. my first ever copy of To Kill a Mockingbird, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations... I'm heartbroken.

Ben and I need our team. We need you. We refuse to give up.

THE RAW DETAILS:

Shortly after sharing this fundraiser, which was created after a layoff and life-changing 3 day ER visit for Ben, things took a turn for the worst. After submitting over 100 job applications (and counting), I lost my beautiful studio sanctuary. I navigated the streets of Ventura where I stood my ground against gangs and drug dealers. After a very scary few nights encountering violent gangs, the city Ambassadors gave me their last ticket to the last bus out of town. I had to leave my storage without mementos, and I had to watch my friend walk away with his dog without getting to say goodbye, or even tell him I'm okay. I boarded the last bus of the day to Santa Barbara and found my way to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. Just me, Ben, and the clothes on my back.

If these were just "things" I wouldn't care. But these are memories. Moments. The tangible things where love and memories are stored.

LASTLY:

But as Kristene DiMarco magnificently sings:

"I am no victim

I live with a vision

I'm covered by the force of love

Covered in my Savior's blood

I am no orphan

I'm not a poor man

The Kingdom's now become my own

And with the King I've found a home

He's not just reviving

Not simply restoring

Greater things have yet to come

Greater things have yet to come"

I have met so many amazing people on this adventure, people I never would have known to seek out on my own. I have seen and received outrageous acts of kindness and outright foolish acts of protection and loyalty. To have seen the economic bottom is to have seen the dirty leather faces of outrageous and reckless love. I am not a victim, but I am asking for your help.

And I WILL NOT give up.

Please donate and share as you can.

Stay loved

‍♀️ ♥ ✌ ✝️

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In January 2024, a month into what has become a global tech-industry employment crisis, the company I worked for shifted it's direction, leaving me and many others blindsided. A week later, my cat, Ben, became lethargic and... strange. After a weird night, he locked eyes with me the following morning and let out the most strange meow I've ever heard come from an animal. I lifted him, hoisted him like a baby into my arms, and when I put pressure on his rear, I knew he had to go to the ER.

It was the longest, worst 3 days of my life.

And coming directly out of a layoff, we were... and are... strangled financially. Over the last 5 months I've been desperately job searching with nothing to show for. I recently was able to acquire a gig working catering shifts with a really rad company, but the bills have pounded both me and Ben into submission. We have nothing left. We're on the verge of collections. We are in the process of losing our apartment.

I moved to California because of some recent health diagnoses (potential adrenal tumor, a predisposition to cardiac episodes, and other things that need to be monitored) that need the care and attention that comes with the close-knit community I have up here.

For Ben, this has all been put aside as I have attempted to create a space that will nurture his health. Ben has a chronic urinary tract condition triggered by anxiety and potentially life threatening. As we transition to the next phase of our journey, I need the assurance that I can pay off his current vet bills, which are more than the initial $3,000 I am trying to raise.

Please spread the word, should you know anyone willing to help a little guy. He is my heart, and my life support.