On October 8, while hiking in the majestic redwoods of Mendocino, I took a big step, my foot slipped, and I fell. I lifted my right arm, which immediately began swelling, uttered an expletive, and knew I’d be off work for many, many weeks. My community immediately surrounded and protected me, and a friend with wilderness medical training ministered to my throbbing wrist. More expletives may have occurred. Kind friends drove me and Leo to Ft. Bragg, where we waited for 5 hours for x-ray results and surgical consultations. I decided to go home to be treated by my own doctors who later confirmed that my wrist was indeed fractured.

For you medical types, my official diagnosis is “casted distal radial intraarticular fracture with mild dorsal tilt,” aka punch fracture. I’m off work for a minimum of 4-6 weeks and facing possible surgery. As a hair stylist, there’s no way I can perform my profession and am now facing significant loss of income.

My community has been extraordinarily supportive and has encouraged me to create this fund. I am immensely grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love and care from you. My heart is full. Funds raised will be used to replace lost income and defray costs related to the injury.