Support Annie's Journey to Recovery

I’ve been friends with Ann Marland—aka Annie—for well over thirty years. For twenty of those years, we were colleagues in educational consulting. When I moved my office from Portland to Sisters in 2000, Annie moved with me. Having grown up in Burns, she felt right at home in Sisters. And from day one, embraced the community, volunteering for the Folk Festival and numerous other local events, working with the Sisters Trails Alliance, and founding STARS, a transportation program offering rides to non-emergency medical appointments for countless Sisters residents. I’ve watched Annie’s courage keep her going through her own health crises in recent years, but 2024-25 has been a doozie. Bruising falls broke several ribs, but never her spirit. The last fall injured her spine so badly that everyday activities like walking, cooking, shopping, or even getting up from a chair became excruciatingly painful. After countless doctor visits and hospital time, she still faces a long siege of therapy, infusions, injections—and possible surgery. Last month, Annie had to say goodbye to her little dog Fraser, who—though in failing health himself—had been her constant companion for years. Now, she’s juggling daunting expenses: medical bills, as well as much-needed assistance with housework and yard care. All of us who love Annie would like to see her lead the dignified life she deserves. Will you help? Through GoFundMe, we can make sure this person who’s given so much to Sisters can retain her independence. Thank you.