Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>We're putting together movie-themed gift baskets for kids stuck in the hospital this Christmas and we need your help to make them happen!
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<div>The holiday season is quickly approaching and once again, we’re making movie-themed gift baskets for kiddos in the hospital. Thankfully, we’ve got some toys from Funko and Hasbro based on recent releases, as well as some leftovers we’ve had from the few events held this year. 
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<div>On top of toys, however, we’re also hoping to deliver other goodies like theater gift cards, Netflix/Disney+ subscriptions, and more. This way, the families can still enjoy a night at the movies whenever it is convenient for them.
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<div>For a simple $35 donation, you’ll be purchasing one of these gift baskets (each $35 donation equates to another gift basket, so you can buy more than one if you’re able). These are YOUR gifts to the children; we’re simply putting them together for you and delivering them. Each gift basket you buy will include your name, so families know who it came from, though you can remain anonymous if you wish. 
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<div>[Note: <em>the images here are some demo baskets we whipped together. Contents are finalized just yet.</em>]
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<div>We know it seems early to start, but we want to make sure we have plenty of time to secure as many gift baskets as possible. Plus, the local Children’s Medical Center needs all Christmas donations by the middle of December so they can have time to sanitize/disinfect them as necessary for the patients.
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<div>Last year we hit 33, which is more than in previous years. If possible, we’d love to go even beyond that. Even if you’re unable to afford the $35 gift basket…that’s okay! A simple $5 or $10 donation still goes towards helping us build these gift baskets.
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<div>Our official website is currently down and undergoing renovations, but you can check out our <a href="https://x.com/reeloutreach?s=21&amp;t=yXXrEyDpuCS-pWbzOuI_dw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official social media page</a>  to learn more about our work and view images from previous events. 
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Donate Movie Themed Gift Baskets for Kids in Hospitals

<div>Honoring Nannette Troutman and supporting her family and beloved son Dennis Troutman.
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<div>Our beloved Nannette was taken from us far sooner than any of us could have been prepared for. She touched an incredible number of lives throughout her seventy years and will be missed so dearly. We would like to help cover the staggering costs of her remaining medical and bereavement expenses.
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<div>Nannette’s health began to decline and was soon diagnosed and treated for liver and kidney failure. She continued to fight a tough battle with countless setbacks and endless visits to doctors, emergency rooms, hospitals, rehab centers and convalescent care. Her son, Dennis depleted his life savings without hesitation or regret to help and care for his mother over the last several years. He selflessly provided all the love, patience, kindness and care that Nannette needed in her remaining months and we will be forever grateful that Nannette was surrounded with so much love. She will be missed beyond measure.
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<div>The outpouring of support and ongoing praise that I am reading has prompted me to ask people to contribute to help Dennis through this difficult time. Let’s unite and honor Nannette by relieving some of the burden for her family, so that they can use this time to catch their breath and grieve.
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<div>Please join me in remembering Nannette by extending love and support to Dennis. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and all proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Dennis for Nannette's final expenses.
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<div>The location and date for Nannette's Celebration of Life will be posted as soon as plans are solidified.
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Stand with Dennis in His Time of Need

<div>I'm Nina, and I'm fundraising for my friend Patty Robinson and her parents, Dalemarie and Steve.
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<div>The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult on the Robinson family. They lost Patty's brother Rocky in early 2023.  The latter half of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 saw Dalemarie in and out of the hospital, fighting sepsis. This is in addition to her being a Type 1 Diabetic who uses a wheelchair and requires dialysis multiple times a week.
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<div>However, with her most recent hospital stay, the doctors have made it clear that dialysis is no longer working for Dalemarie. So she is now home and in hospice care with her beloved husband, Steve. Patty has also traveled up to Hayward from Los Angeles to stay for the duration.
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<div>As you may know, Patty works in TV in the accounting department.  She was out of work all summer with the WGA and SAG strikes. She cannot afford to take a leave of absence from work, so she is working from her parents' house.
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<div>However, on top of her job, Patty is now doing much of the physical caretaking during this time.  Obviously hospice extracts an extreme emotional toll on everyone.  And the end of this hospice journey, there will be even more bills.  
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<div>Let's face it: it's a lot. 
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<div>This is a difficult and heartbreaking situation for the Robinsons. But we can make it less so. Please donate if you can, and share.
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<div>xoNina
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<div>PS. A note on the goal: I have come up with a number based on some approximate end-of-life costs. However, as nothing is certain at this time, this goal may be increased. Thanks for your support.
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Help the Robinsons!

We opened our Throop location in 2014 and slowly built it into the cozy neighborhood cafe we all love. Last summer we were thrilled to be able to open our second location at 90 Kosciuszko with our bookstore friends Better Read Than Dead. <br /><br />As we try to reopen both locations we need reconfigure our operations to be able to provide limited to-go services and are looking to our community for some financial support. We're hopeful that this limited service will allow us to regain our footing and continue to navigate this unprecedented situation.<br /><br />We look forward to seeing all of you again soon!

Help Burly Coffee

Hello friends, 

I really hate to publicly ask for anything, but I have found myself in a somewhat desperate position. I've been a full-time freelance journalist for over a year now after getting laid off from my part-time job in 2018. Though I have been able to merely survive as a freelancer all this time, taxes remain difficult to pay off when I'm simultaneously paying household bills, state insurance, and a host of other living expenses. Freelancers are paid tax-free flat rates, which means it's up to us to not only use the money to pay our bills, but put some aside for tax time the next year. 

Unfortunately, I accumulated more tax debt that I was able to save up, and I am asking for your help to pay back what I owe the IRS. I think I can come up with the remainder of what I owe, but $6,000 is out of my capacity. And I'd rather pay what I owe in full by the deadline of April 15 than pay the IRS back in increments plus interest. 

This debt payoff would also mean that I wouldn't have to dip into my household budget and sacrifice electricity, gas, groceries, rent, etc. I would be overwhelmingly grateful if you could donate. But if that's not possible, I'd love it if you could share this post. 

Again, I really despise that I have to ask for help, but I am in such a tight spot as I continue to look for full-time work to hopefully avoid having to be in this position next year. 

Thank you so much for taking the time out to read this and any help you can provide.

Help Candice Get Out of Tax Debt

<strong>This is our friend/sister, Mary Sanchez.  </strong><br /><br />Mary is such an important part of our "village".   She is always there for us. Even when she isn't feeling well.  She ALWAYS has a hand to lend.  She is our hairstylist and makeup artist.   <br /><br />On December 22 at 5:00am while Mary was at her dialysis treatment (she goes 4x a week), her car was stolen from the "secure" parking lot at the hospital.  She is has ESRD.  She NEEDS her car to go to treatment 4x a week.  <br /><br />The good news is they found her car.  The bad news is they ruined it and it is not in running order.  They stole her battery, broke the ignition, broke the break lights and she had to pay for impound fees.  All of this is quite costly to those of us who have steady income.  For an individual on a fixed income, these extra, unexpected expenses are quite overwhelming.    <br /><br />We would like to help her get her car back in running order, as she helps us with all that she selflessly does for us.<br /><br />Anything you can donate is so greatly appreciated.  <br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Please feel free to share as well.

Mary Sanchez Stolen Car Fund

Eileen Carlson was diagnosed in June 2019 at age 64 with Stage 4 cancer in her colon and liver. At the time, she did not have insurance to help pay for chemotherapy treatment, which is why this fundraiser was created. Funds raised in 2019 supported oral chemo for Eileen, who thankfully took to treatment well and made it to being insured by Medicare in January 2020 when she turned 65. 

She is undergoing IV chemo in addition to oral chemo, and assistance is still needed for these medical costs. Any help you – whether family, friend, acquaintance or benevolent stranger – can provide to help the Carlson family in this trying time is appreciated beyond words. And we welcome your prayers and positive thoughts.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39877536_1560446218530755_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="39877536_1560446218530755_r.jpeg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39877536_1560378719315377_r.jpeg" alt="39877536_1560378719315377_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Retiree Battling Stage 4 Cancer

Moira Donegan did us all a huge favor. She made our world safer, and has paid more than her share. Now she’s going to need some help. This is for her legal and security bills and anything else she’ll need. <br />Any leftover funds will be donated to RAINN<br />I needed to do something. This is what I could do. I know a lot of you feel the same. More than anything, I want Moira to see the army she has behind her. <br /><br />From the Cut:<br /><br />“Stephen Elliott, a New York–based writer is suing Moira Donegan, the creator of the Shitty Media Men List for libel and emotional distress. Elliott filed documents at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on October 10 and is seeking at least $1.5 million in damages.”

Moira Donegan’s Legal Fees/expenses

Kathy Mullins, St. Tarcissus Parish Secretary of 25+ years has fallen ill and has been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer. At this time she requires 24 hour professional medical care. She will stay in a nursing facility during this time, but insurance does not cover the room and board expense of $350 per day. Unfortunately, the facility does not accept credit card payment and the family must pay monthly in cash in advance in order for her to receive this treatment. All donations will go directly to Kathy’s daughters to assist with medical costs, which will be approximately $10,000 per month. If you are unable to donate via go fund me, please message for more details. Thank you for your support during this difficult time. The campaign is run by Kathy's daughters, Megan and Morgan. We are are currently in town from New York and Los Angeles. Funds received will be used to pay the monthly cost at the nursing facility and medical bills recieved for her treatment.

Kathy Mullins Medical Fund

<span style="font-size:1.0625rem;"><strong>Update<br /></strong><span style="font-size:1.0625rem;">Thank you for your continued support of Pack Your Back. As of today, we will begin accepting donations on our brand new GoFundMe campaign here: </span><a style="font-size:1.0625rem;" href="f/PackYourBackWaterDrive"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/PackYourBackWaterDrive" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.gofundme.com/f/PackYourBackWaterDrive</a></a><strong><br /></strong><br />We look forward to continuing our work to uplift and serve the Flint community. Thank you in advance for your continued support.<strong><br /><br />Background</strong><br />The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the drinking water source for the city of Flint, Michigan was changed to the Flint River. Due to insufficient water treatment, over 100,000 residents were potentially exposed to high levels of lead in the drinking water. After a pair of scientific studies proved lead contamination was present in the water supply, a federal state of emergency was declared in January 2016 and Flint residents were instructed to use only bottled or filtered water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. As of early 2017, the water quality had returned to acceptable levels; however, residents were instructed to continue to use bottled or filtered water until all the lead pipes have been replaced, which is expected to be completed no sooner than 2020.</span><br /><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />All funds will go towards providing support to residents in Flint, Michigan through water distributions and other programs via Pack Your Back.<br /><br />Please email <a href="mailto:[email redacted]">[email redacted]</a> if you have any questions or would like to request a receipt. <br /><br />Tax-ID: 81-2402039<br /><br /><strong>Notice</strong><br />On July 1, 2019, <a href="http://packyourback.org">Pack Your Back</a>  ended its relationship with Loui Brezzell and Amariyanna Copeny, also known as ‘Little Miss Flint’, in its entirety until further notice.<br /><br /><a href="http://packyourback.org">Pack Your Back</a>  wants to reassure its donors’ and the residents of Flint, Michigan that the organization will remain committed to its mission of supporting the community and getting students and teachers the proper resources that are needed to succeed in the classroom.

Pack Your Back Water Drive

Dear Friends &amp; Family,<br /><br />I have always had a hard time asking for any kind of help, but here I am after swallowing my pride because I am dead broke and can no longer pay for my own medical care. Admitting that I can't do this alone makes it harder. <br /><br />Full Disclosure:<br /><br /><strong>In November 2016 I was diagnosed with a very rare cranial nerve disorder - Sluder's Neuralgia/Trigeminal Neuralgia along with a slew of other related diagnoses (chronic status migranosis, chronic myalgia, PTSD, Autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease, tinnitus, Celiac's Disease, occipital neuralgia and so on) that have taken over my entire life. </strong><br /><br />In short, I am in pain all day, every day with no real solution yet. I just spent Christmas in the hospital, while my team of doctors and specialists tried to break a 6 week full body migraine. I basically can not function as a normal adult. My quality of life is null and void. I miss my friends, family, and my career. I spend most of my days in a dark room trying to escape the pain.<br /><br /><strong>I applied for social security disability and was denied.</strong> <br /><br />I lost my full-time job that I loved over a year ago due to my illness and because I was "mutually terminated" <strong>I do not qualify for unemployment.</strong><br /><br /><strong>I have had almost zero income for over a year and have finally depleted every other monetary resource I had.</strong><br /><br /><strong>My doctors (some of the best in the state) now want to send me to Mayo Clinic in Minnesotta as a complex medical case to get the best diagnostics, testing, treatments, and care that I can, because I have exhausted my treatment options at my local hospital, Thomas Jefferson Hospital and UPENN Hospital. </strong><br /><br />However, I can not readily afford this. <br /><br />Your gracious donation will help me pay for:<br /><br />Mayo Clinic, travel expenses for myself and my parents (who are my primary caretakers), surgery (which I was just told I needed again this past Monday) various ongoing and new treatments, medications, supplements, medical devices for at-home use, medical tests, physical therapy, hospital stays, and any other medical- related expense.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/26882996_fb_1515688548.6066_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />￼<br /><br />Your contribution will also help me hire an attorney so I can hopefully get disability or financial assistance. Even If I do get approved for disability, the wait time for any type of payout is 24 months.<br /><br />The truth is that I am scared, nervous, and mostly sad. I have been trying very hard to stay positive, keep my head up, and not spiral into complete depression. In fact, having to start this fund is extremely hard for me, but desperate times call for desperate measures. <br /><br />Honestly, I just want my life back. I miss being able to enjoy the things I love, being able to sit in a movie theater, socializing with friends, driving, my career as an entertainment writer - just everyday things that I can't do now that I used to take for granted. I need some sort of sign that there is a light at the end of this seemingly never-ending tunnel. I am struggling big time here, but I refuse to give up or give in.<br /><br />Even the smallest donation or a simple share on social media will be so greatly appreciated by myself and my family. <br /><br /><strong>I can't thank you enough.</strong><br /><br />- Amy Giardiniere<br /><br />If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me.

Amy's Emergency Medical Fund

<strong>After a series of strokes, my mother was in the hospital for over 188 days. Now she's in a facility that costs a small fortune each month. Please read her story and share!</strong><br /><br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20450182_1495055971.8184_funddescription.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" />￼<strong>￼</strong><br /><strong>Despite being told she wouldn't make it through the night, my mother survived over 75 strokes &amp; seizures. </strong><br /><br />After 2 months in a coma, and many other medical complications (details below), mom remains paralyzed from the chest down and suffers excruciating blasts of pain. However, mentally, emotionally and spiritually she is 90% herself. My mom is my Mom. <strong>And she wants to live.</strong><br /><br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20450182_1495079513.121_funddescription.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" />￼<strong>￼</strong><br />The hospital has decided it's time for her to leave and there is  nothing my dad and I can do to stop it.<br /><br /><strong>Dad and I were given two options;</strong> <br />1) She  could be released home to our care,  with an aproximate monthly cost of $40,000 month.<br />           or<br />2) She  could apply for a bed in a  medical  professional residential facility  with an approximate cost of $21,100 month and a 6-18mth waitlist during which time she would be at home (at $40,000/mth) for that time.<br /><br />We hired a patient advocate who was able to get her hospital stay extended, and negotiated for her transfer directly from the hospital to a proper medical facility with the professional quality of care we could simply not provide at home.<br /><br /><br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20450182_1495490349.2177_funddescription.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" />￼￼We believe Mom will get the best care  possible in a residential facility, surrounded by trained medical professionals, until she is strong enough so we can properly care for her at home.<br /><br />Mom's out of pocket medical costs will be aproximately $21,100 per month.  As soon as a bed opens, the hospital will be releasing my mom and we will need these funds to continue her treatment immediately.<br /><br />This is where I hope you come in &amp; help us...  <br /><br /><strong>TIMELINE</strong><br /><br /><strong>1/5/17 -  </strong>My father is unable to wake my mother up.  An ambulance is called and Mom is rushed to the ER at Vancouver General Hospital.  In the ER she has a seizure and slips into a coma.  She is intubated and put on full life support. <br /><br />Multiple tests and scans are run.<br /><br /><strong>1/7/17 -  2/10/17 - </strong>Mom is moved to ICU. <br />Numerous tests are performed.  After three weeks a tracheotomy is performed and a nasel feeding tube is inserted.  During this time a "storm of seizures" occurs. Doctors struggle to find the right cocktail of anti-seizure medications. Finally, a successful combination of drugs is found, and Mom is moved to Neurology ICU.  We wait for her to wake up.  It takes one over week.  Doctors have continually warned us every day that she could die at any moment.<br /><br />2/12/17 - Mom wakes up. She is not blind. She is not the five year old they said she would be. She recognizes her 97yr old father's voice on speaker phone. My best-friend from LA comes to visit and Mom recognizes her <br />too. <br /><br />Mom develops pneumonia. <br />2/25/17-  Her nasal tube is removed and feeding tube is surgically inserted into her stomach. <br /><br />Doctors struggle to find right speed and amount for feeding tube. Mom is constantly vommiting. <br /><br />Mom develops pneumonia again.<br /><br />3/27/17 -  The tracheotomy tube is removed and Mom can finally talk.  Her first words are "Take care of your father. Tell my Dad I love him. You already know I love you. Thanks for not giving up on me Steph." The Doctors were dumbfounded  at how strong and clear her voice was and that she spoke in complete sentences.<br /><br />Mom develops anti-biotic resistant pneumonia and an e.coli infection.<br /><br />4/1/17  -  Mom begins developing blasts of pain originating from fractures  in her hips from advanced osteoporosis.   Doctors believe she broke one of her legs in the ER while undergoing seizures. Soon, Doctors  begin discussing Mom's  release to home-care, effectively ending most health insurance coverage.  Estimated home care costs: $40,000 per month. <br /><br />4/14/17 - Dad and I hire a patient advocate, someone well-versed in the Canadian health care system and patient rights. She was able to slow-down the discharge process, get specialists involved to begin managing Mom's ongoing, excruciating pain, and negotiate Mom's need to be placed directly from the hospital into residential care.  Mom's medical needs remain too urgent and complicated to be released to home-care. <br /><br />5/17 Doctors continue to search for answers and to look for  the right cocktail of drugs to manage Mom's pain while retaining her lucidity.  Mom remains in the hospital until the first appropriate bed for her high level of needs becomes available. <br /><br /><strong>Diagnosis</strong><br /><br />Advanced osteoporosis runs in my family.  My Aunt and Grandmother both passed away from complications of osteoporosis. It is a deadly, hereditary disease. One I will soon have to face myself. <br /><br />The Doctors best  guess is, that due to her advanced osteoporosis, Mom broke both her hips/femurs, simply by walking on them, with at least one fracture happening during a seizure in the ER.  These breaks released marrow and fatty embolisms which travelled to my mom's brain causing over 75 strokes, like a meteor shower or machine-gun spray. <br /><br />This trauma resulted in a storm of brain seizures that now need to be suppressed with medication for the rest of her life. Mom has suffered partial vision loss and is currently paralyzed from the chest down.  <br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20450182_1495080845.3876_funddescription.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" />￼￼<br /><strong>Treatments and Rehab </strong><br /><br />Mom needs extensive physical therapy to prevent further muscle atrophy, and attempt to reverse the body and leg paralysis. <br /><br />She will also need speech therapy.<br /><br />Mom will be on anti-seizure medications for the rest of her life. <br /><br />Mom needs around the clock care, as she can't even press the call bell herself, if she needs help. She needs consistent supervision to reduce confusion and disorientation. She also needs care to change her diapers, and hygiene . She needs to be constantly re-positioned in bed to avoid bed sores. She basically needs help with everything, and it's a two person job.<br /><br /><strong>Urgency of funds </strong><br /><br />There is an illusion that Canadian healthcare is free.  While much is covered, Dad and I have spent over $60,000 since January, to supplement the high level of medical care that mom needs.  There are many things, from medication to equipment, that insurance simply does not cover.  <br /><br />The hospital has decided it is time to release Mom.  As soon as an appropriate bed is available, we must transfer Mom to a residential facility, not of our choosing, and ultimately we have no say in which facility or in where in Vancouver this will be. <br /><br />Her insurance &amp; disability will cover some of these costs, but the remaining $21,100 per month will fall on my Dad and me. <br /><br />So we are asking for your help. <br /><br /><strong>Other  Ways You Can Help</strong><br />There are a few specialty items that Mom needs. <br /><br />*FIRST STEP SELECT ALL IN ONE medical air matrress<br />*20x20" Tilt Wheelchair + obus forme back + ROHO cushion + padded headrest + legrests + seatbelt<br />* If anyone knows of a lift that doesn't put pressure on her hips for transport to the wheelchair (or can build one!) we, and hospitals everywhere would be blown away---they only have one painful option (and apparently all patients HATE it).<br /><br /><strong>Thank You</strong><br />My mom is my best-friend. She spent her entire life attempting to give me a great life. She is my support system, my confidante, and my biggest inspiration.<br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20450182_1495080698.7797_funddescription.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" />￼￼We will never get to go to Paris together like she always wanted.  My entire life she told me to never leave things too long, and yet that is exactly what she did. She was always putting everyone else first. <br /><br />Thank you for reading this far, and any help no matter what is unbelievably generous and means the world to me and my Dad. <br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20450182_fb_1495056817.0946_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />￼<strong>￼Here's the last family photo the three of us took together. </strong><br /><strong>Thank you again.</strong>

Help My Mom with Her Medical Care

<strong><a href="http://legionofwomenwriters.com" target="_blank">Legion of Women Writers</a></strong> wants to send <strong><a href="http://www.girlsincnyc.org" target="_blank">Girls Inc of NYC</a></strong> to see <strong>Wonder Woman</strong>, and you can help!<br /><br />We’re raising money to send <strong>70 high-school aged girls from Girls Inc. of NYC</strong> to celebrate the first standalone female superhero film and see <strong>Wonder Woman</strong> on <strong>Friday, June 9th.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Wonder Woman</strong> has been a cultural icon since her creation in 1942, and symbol to girls and boys that a woman can be strong, bold, and compassionate. Your donation will help cover movie tickets and popcorn for the girls. <strong>If we raise more than our target goal, all extra monies will be donated directly to Girls Inc of NYC.</strong> <br /><br /><strong>About Girls,Inc:</strong><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/girlsincnyc" target="_blank">@girlsincnyc</a> <br /><br />Girls Inc. of New York City inspires all girls to strong, smart, and bold. Through research-based curricula, Girls Inc. equips girls to achieve academically; lead healthy, physically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. <br /><br /><br /><strong>About Legion of Women Writers:<br /></strong><a href="http://twitter.com/legionofwomen" target="_blank">@legionofwomen</a> <br /><br />Legion of Women Writers is a professional network of women writers working in entertainment and media. Our goal is to unite women writers in order to help influence positive change, representation and<br />opportunities for women in the media and entertainment industry.

Send Girls,Inc  to see Wonder Woman

Willie left this Earth too soon, but he didn't leave us without memories of an infectiously charming man who gave himself to us all and enriched our lives and enhanced our proper English skills. <br /><br />Willie chose to leave the world that we know.  This was the act of a proud man who hid his depression and issues extremely well.  He had two children who will forever mourn the loss of a man they can't grow up with. Willie loved his kids more than anything.  He loved his family, he cherished his friendships.  We speak for everyone when we say that we are at a loss of how a man with so many surrounding him, could feel so lonely. <br /><br />In a situation like this, one often doesn't leave behind the finances to take care of their final expenses.  That was sadly the case here.  His family is doing everything in their power to shield his kids from any financial issues associated with this tragedy.  It is time for them to process, not be worrying about these sorts of things. <br /><br />The family, in accordance with his beloved friends, are going to Celebrate Willie's life in the way that he would have wanted.  A memorial celebration, with laughter, smiles, hugging, and crying.  Much of the celebration expenses are being donated, but not all.  <br /><br />We are creating this campaign as a way to help Celebrate his life with family and friends and help raise enough funds to take care of his final expenses. <br /><br />As we all become more aware of the loss of our beloved Willie, we also become more aware of the importance of suicide prevention.  If you, or anyone you know, has these thoughts or you need help coping with the loss, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at [phone redacted].<br /><br />We are deepy grateful for your donation and we thank you for letting Willie into your life.<br /><br />Henry VI, Part III (c. 1591), Act V, scene 2, line 27.<br /><br />He gave his honours to the world again,<br />His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166526.5903_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166526.5903_funddescription." /><br /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166653.1659_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166653.1659_funddescription." /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166679.1203_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166679.1203_funddescription." /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166727.4863_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166727.4863_funddescription." /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166760.7779_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166760.7779_funddescription." /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166861.4317_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166861.4317_funddescription." /><br /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166912.7652_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166912.7652_funddescription." /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442234723.4393_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442234822.4628_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5996245_1442166943.4638_funddescription.jpg" alt="5996245_1442166943.4638_funddescription." />

Willie's Memorial Services

How long have you been a fan of <a href="http://geekdad.com" target="_blank">GeekDad</a> ? If you’ve been reading us for a while, you may remember that prior to April 2013 we lived as a sub-site to Wired.com. We left them at that point because we had some issues with the new contract being offered, and because the friends we had there had moved on for one reason or another. At the time, we did everything we could to get out clean. But it wasn’t enough.<br /><br />For the last two years, we’ve been in legal wrangling with Wired’s parent company, Condé Nast, over ownership of the GeekDad brand. The details would make for a much longer piece, but the short story is that someone high up at CN decided that they owned the GeekDad brand; a decision with which those of us who created GeekDad, and made it what it is, disagreed. It’s been a hard, emotionally-draining two years. There’s been a lot of second-guessing: if we’d done this or that differently or sooner, could we have avoided the mess? But I’m happy to say, the resolution is nigh.<br /><br />As of last week, GeekDad LLC and Condé Nast have settled their legal issues. The bottom line is that we are paying Condé Nast to relinquish all claims over the GeekDad brand. It is tough to have to pay for what we believe was ours from the beginning, but it seems to be the cost of business sometimes these days, and while Condé Nast has been firm in their position, they have been reasonable in working together to find a path for the settlement that helps us get back to where we want to be. The price certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s something we feel we have to pay, because GeekDad is incredibly valuable to all of us (and hopefully to you).<br /><br />To help offset the buyout, you may have noticed more ads and more sponsored posts lately, as well as the crowdfunding. Those are all meant to help pay off this settlement. So, anytime you can use <a href="http://geekdad.com/store/" target="_blank">our Amazon store</a> , buy our t-shirts at <a href="http://www.slashloot.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1866" target="_blank">SlashLoot</a>  and <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ef36/?pfm=Search&amp;t=geekdad%20shirt%20v2.0" target="_blank">ThinkGeek</a>, buy the products in our reviews, click the ads on our website, make a regular pledge to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/geekdad" target="_blank">help us out on Patreon</a> , or make a one-time donation here on GoFundMe, you are really making a difference. One that we appreciate and allows us to keep GeekDad alive.<br /><br />The upside is that, eight years into our run, the sun is rising again. We are looking at this time as a new beginning - free from threats of legal action, doing things on our own terms, we're ready to tackle the future. We continue to be a collective of geeky parents, writing about the things we love in our free time. This is not a full-time gig for any of us and, truth be told, our writers deliver content daily without pay right now. In fact, until we pay off our settlement, all the income we bring in will only be going to legal and administrative costs.<br /><br />So, whether you're a new reader or you've been with us since the beginning, thank you for supporting us. Thanks for reading the articles and clicking the links. You're the reason we write about the books we read with our kids, the toys we test, and the gadgets we try out. You're the reason we peck away at our keyboards and write GeekDad. Thank you so much!

GeekDad's Legal Costs

Shana ONeil

<div><strong>The Overwhelming Obstacles</strong>
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<div>Kristen's battles with horrific trauma started at age three and, sadly, it's been one thing after another through her life.
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<div>She lost her job two years ago and has been unable to secure work which means she has to face those battles without income, insurance, or transportation. She has chronic health issues, crippling PTSD, agoraphobia, and a host of other problems.
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<div>Kristen is facing eviction and winter is here. Your support helps Kristen and her kitty Stella stay housed, fed, and medicated which, as we all know, is crucial.
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<div>Past support has helped keep Kristen afloat and paid her back rent. Gotten her much needed meds, food, supplies, and doctor visits. But she's still unemployed and dealing with PTSD, so your continued help would be appreciated.
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<div>Here’s how your support will be used:
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<div><strong>❖ Rent relief: ongoing as she continues to look for work.</strong>
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<div><strong>❖ Medical care + prescriptions</strong>
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<div><strong>❖ Basic living expenses (groceries, phone, internet)</strong>
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<div><strong>❖ Transportation support</strong>
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<div><em>"I am legitimately realizing just HOW MUCH of what I've survived, that I not only don't talk about publicly, I have never actually told anyone except my therapist. Because I have always been terrified that either people will see me as irrevocably broken and therefore worthless, or that people will hurt me with these things.</em>" - Kristen
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<div><strong>HOW YOU CAN HELP</strong>
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<div>❖ <strong>DONATE</strong> — No amount is too small. Every contribution matters.
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<div>❖ <strong>SHARE</strong> — Send this link to friends, colleagues, or networks.
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<div>❖ <strong>SUPPORT</strong> — Leave a note of encouragement to remind Kristen she’s not alone.
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Shana ONeil

Shana ONeil

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