Help Michele Heal

GoFundMe Story: Help Michele Heal Fully

If you know Michele Hampton, you’ve probably winced watching her build breathtaking artwork and custom frames—while pushing through almost constant pain.

In 2023, Michele lost the storefront for a business that had endured 34 years of ups and downs. It couldn’t survive COVID. It was where she restored artwork, crafted beautiful custom frames, and always made time to offer advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear. And while that loss was devastating, I believe it also opened a door.

She lost the store and her income—but she gained something rare: the time and space to finally take care of herself.

In the past year, she’s had knee replacement surgery and now, surgery on her ankle, which Michele says is sooo much worse than the knee. For the first time in ages, she has a chance to stand without pain. And during recovery, something else has come to life: Michele the artist. Not just the framer of great art—the creator of it. And yes, her art deserves to be framed… by her, of course, because no one does it better.

But this last surgery has knocked her off her feet—literally, figuratively, and financially.

She can’t walk. She can’t frame. She can’t even use assistive devices yet. And while the knee scooter will help in time, she’s still weeks—if not months—away from being able to work again. If you know Michele, you know how she normally gets through hard times: she works harder. She finds a way.

This time, she simply can’t. Not yet.

That’s why I’m setting up this fundraiser. The goal is to help Michele get through recovery without sacrificing her health, her art, or her dignity—to make it to the other side of this chapter whole and strong.

The need is real, and some of it is time-sensitive. If you’re able to help now, even a little, it makes a huge difference.

Where the Money Will Go

We’ve set a goal of $24,000, which covers three areas of support—starting with an urgent need for immediate stability.

1. Immediate Relief & Stabilization – $4,000 (Urgent)

This portion will help Michele take care of some pressing essentials—things that can’t wait—so she has a solid foundation for recovery. These funds will go toward:

- Keeping her home and recovery space stable and secure

- Addressing urgent needs that are time-sensitive and critical for peace of mind

- Reducing stress so she can focus fully on healing

2. Catching Up from the Last 6 Months – $12,000

Since losing her storefront and going through multiple surgeries, Michele has been without steady income. These funds will help her:

- Clear essential bills from the past few months

- Stay on top of basic costs like food, utilities, and care

- Regain stability after an incredibly difficult stretch

3. Getting Through Recovery – $8,000

Michele is still in a non-weight-bearing recovery phase. She can’t walk or frame right now—and won’t be able to work for a while. This will cover:

- Rent, groceries, and utilities through the next 2–3 months

- Medical follow-ups, supplies, and support tools

- A runway to heal fully and safely—without setbacks

If we exceed the goal, every dollar will go toward rebuilding Michele’s art and framing work once she’s able to get back on her feet.