- T
Our friend and colleague, Whitney Meeks, is no stranger to most of us engaged in harm reduction work across the county. Whether in her role as the Southern Indiana Overdose Prevention Coordinator/OCD for the Indiana Recovery Alliance, or through her work consulting on various syringe service programs in Indiana, or through her years of volunteer service for the IRA throughout the state, or just because she's a rad human with a big heart and a love for folks who use drugs...it's very probable that most of us have had our lives touched in positive and lasting ways by this amazing lady.
Earlier this month Whitney was diagnosed with Stage 3, possibly Stage 4, melanoma. It has spread to her lymph nodes and is particularly aggressive. Friday, March 1, Whitney will undergo surgery to remove malignant tissue. Post-surgery her medical team will be running additional tests and designing a treatment plan to eradicate additional malignant cells. Whit will need several days off of work at minimal, and we expect that over time repeated treatment may compromise her ability to pay all of her immediate financial obligations like rent and bills.
While all the diagnostics were being performed initially, Whitney also received word that her insurance will be cancelled beginning March 1, 2019. Additionally, without insurance Whitney will be required to pay $500 a month out-of-pocket to continue her MAT. These additional financial burdens place cancer and MAT treatment outside of her financial reach without your support.
We are starting the funding goal at $20,000 but may need to increase this goal over time. Please give if you can, although we know that other folks are struggling financially as well. Please share this out with your networks, whether you are in a financial place to donate or not. Remember that prayer and faith without works are dead, so even if you cannot donate funds, please check in with us about other ways that those of us who love Whit are organizing support for her during this time. And lastly, know that we, and Whitney, appreciate all of your love, your thoughts, and your support during this time.
Earlier this month Whitney was diagnosed with Stage 3, possibly Stage 4, melanoma. It has spread to her lymph nodes and is particularly aggressive. Friday, March 1, Whitney will undergo surgery to remove malignant tissue. Post-surgery her medical team will be running additional tests and designing a treatment plan to eradicate additional malignant cells. Whit will need several days off of work at minimal, and we expect that over time repeated treatment may compromise her ability to pay all of her immediate financial obligations like rent and bills.
While all the diagnostics were being performed initially, Whitney also received word that her insurance will be cancelled beginning March 1, 2019. Additionally, without insurance Whitney will be required to pay $500 a month out-of-pocket to continue her MAT. These additional financial burdens place cancer and MAT treatment outside of her financial reach without your support.
We are starting the funding goal at $20,000 but may need to increase this goal over time. Please give if you can, although we know that other folks are struggling financially as well. Please share this out with your networks, whether you are in a financial place to donate or not. Remember that prayer and faith without works are dead, so even if you cannot donate funds, please check in with us about other ways that those of us who love Whit are organizing support for her during this time. And lastly, know that we, and Whitney, appreciate all of your love, your thoughts, and your support during this time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Whitney Meeks
Beneficiary