Paris Hilton

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Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

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Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Samuel Weidenhofer

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

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Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

Our good friends Molly and Nick recently experienced a devastating loss when their apartment complex, Helix in St. Louis Park, burned down. In a matter of hours, they lost their home and nearly all of their possessions. While Molly, Nick, and their dogs Harper and Squid are thankfully safe and unharmed, the emotional and financial toll of losing everything has been overwhelming. 
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 The funds raised through this campaign will help Molly and Nick find a new place to live and begin to rebuild their lives. Your support will go directly toward replacing essential items—like clothing, furniture, and household necessities—that were lost in the fire. It will also help ease some of the stress and uncertainty they are facing as they navigate this traumatic event and start over from scratch. 
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 Any support you can give will make a huge difference for Molly and Nick as they recover and rebuild. Thank you so much for your donations! 
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 -Allie, Cat, Kaiti, and Kali

Support Molly and Nick After Helix Apartment Fire

<div>Ingrid and Greta Gudmastad are facing an unimaginable loss after their mother, Ericha Hager, died suddenly. This tragedy has left them in a difficult situation, and our family is doing everything we can to help them navigate this new reality. The emotional and financial challenges are overwhelming, and we want to ensure they have the support and resources they need to heal and move forward. 
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<div> Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, counseling, and housing for Ingrid and Greta. These funds will provide stability and give them access to the care and guidance they need during this challenging time. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in their lives as they adjust to life without Ericha. 
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<div> Thank you so much for helping us surround them with love and support. Your kindness and compassion mean the world to our family, and we are deeply grateful for any help you can offer.
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Support for Ingrid and Greta Gudmastad After Loss

<div><strong>Help Mitch Caron Beat Pancreatic Cancer</strong>
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<div>Goal: $100,000
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<div><strong>Our Story:</strong>
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<div>Our beloved friend Mitch Caron has been battling Pancreatic Cancer for over a year now. It came out of nowhere. It shook all of us. And yet, from the very first moment, Mitch has faced this terrifying reality with admirable strength and faith. His fight has been, and will continue to be, a long, painful, and costly one.
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<div>Mitch and Julie are self-employed entrepreneurs and have been unable to work for over 14 months while they focus on Mitch’s health.
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<div><strong>The unfortunate development: </strong>Their insurance company has decided to stop covering Mitch’s treatments as “in-network”, leaving Mitch and Julie with already expensive bills that are now <strong>more than tripling in cost</strong>.
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<div>So far, he has had 13 rounds of grueling chemotherapy. Next are 25 rounds of radiation and oral chemotherapy.
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<div>After those treatments, the end goal is for Mitch to have the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/whipple-procedure/about/pac-20385054" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whipple procedure</a> — the only known “cure” for Pancreatic Cancer. “Cure” is in quotes because while it can cure cancer, it’s an incredibly invasive and dangerous surgery. Because of the high risk factor, Mitch and Julie are hoping to have this surgery performed at the Mayo Clinic, where Mitch will have the best shot at a successful operation.
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<div>We are praying that a year from now, we’ll be celebrating Mitch being cancer-free, but it will be a fight.
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<div>We’re aiming to raise $100,000 to help lift this weight off Mitch and Julie’s shoulders so that they can focus on what’s most important: Mitch’s fight against cancer.
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<div><strong>Your support will help cover:</strong>
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<li>Medical deductibles and bills for chemo, radiation, and surgery
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<li>New and unexpected out-of-network costs
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<li>Travel and lodging between treatment centers
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<li>Lost income during 14 months without work and 4-6 months of recovery
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<li>Prescriptions, scans, and long-term follow-up care
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<div>If giving isn’t possible, we ask for something just as powerful: your prayers. Your belief. Your willingness to stand with Mitch and speak his name to God.
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<div><strong>Pray. Pray. Pray.</strong>
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<div>Mitch has always been the quiet, steady presence for everyone around him — the friend who shows up, the man who gives without asking anything in return. Let’s surround Mitch and his family with love, strength, and faith as they walk through the hardest chapter of their lives.
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<div><strong>From the depths of our hearts, thank you -</strong>
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<div>Friends of Mitch and Julie
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Help Mitch Caron Beat Pancreatic Cancer

<div>My parents opened the first Taqueria Los Ocampo in Minneapolis on Lake and 5th back in 2003, driven by a passion for sharing our family’s recipes and creating a welcoming space for our community. Over the years, thanks to the incredible support of our guests and the dedication of our team, we have grown to eight locations. Our staff has always been the heart of our business, and none of our success would have been possible without their hard work and commitment.

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<div>Recently, we made the difficult decision to temporarily close all of our restaurants due to ongoing federal activity in the Twin Cities. This was done to protect the safety and well-being of our employees and guests. The closure has stopped our revenue, but we remain committed to supporting our team. Many of our employees rely on hourly wages, and this sudden interruption has created immediate financial strain for them and their families. Even though we are not open generating revenue, we are doing everything we can to continue paying our staff during this uncertain time.

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<div>If you are looking for ways to help, we encourage you to purchase merchandise from our website, buy online gift cards, or donate to this Staff Relief Fund. Any contribution—whether through merchandise, gift cards, donations, or sharing this message—makes a meaningful difference. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our community during this challenging time. This fund is dedicated primarily to staff relief, and we will provide updates as conditions change and we move toward reopening.

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Support Our Staff Relief Fund

<div>Sadly, our neighborhood Cafe, Groundswell caught fire around 10pm on 5/22 leaving our community devastated. During this time of hardship we're putting together a fund to the staff and family we all know and love. As the Hamline-Midway community one of our greatest strengths is that we rally for the people we care for. This fund will go towards securing a financial safety net for the staff to aid them during this troubling time and we appreciate any donation made. We're sending love to everyone affected by this loss, we're all rooting for the safety and security for our little neighborhood cafe.
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Support Groundswell and staff after fire

<div>A Series of Catastrophes
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<div>“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors–in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” Mr. Rogers
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<div>My nephew-in-law, JP (Juan Pablo Pizarro Correa), had been resting at home recently recovering from a bad bug. When he got up to get a glass of water, he collapsed, unconscious onto his face on the hard kitchen floor, breaking several bones in his cheek and the vital structure stabilizing his eye. He will need a great deal of surgery to fix his eye socket and face. This surgery isn’t optional or cosmetic.
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<div>As if that wasn’t awful enough, my financially very responsible nephew Devan and his husband JP were in a short window of time without medical insurance as JP, who has lately been the provider of their insurance, was switching jobs. They had about a 60-day window where they would not be covered, and this happened during that window!
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<div>Wait, it gets worse! When they tried to reach out to activate COBRA (which is sooooo incredibly expensive) from his prior job, they were scammed out of bunch of money by unscrupulous people targeting people in crisis.
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<div>Now COBRA is activated, but even with that coverage, they will need to pay about $20,000 out-of-pocket. JP won’t be able to work for a while and Devan Moran, a professional violinist, is having to turn down jobs to care for his husband right now as he undergoes surgery today and recovers.
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<div>We would all be so grateful if you could contribute anything at all to this Go Fund Me for JP to cover medical and living expenses as he recovers.
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<div>These are the best of humans who are so kind, loving, generous and incredible caretakers of the environment. They really need something good to happen amidst all this bad. Can you be a helper right now and donate?
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Donate to JP's Surgery and Recovery Fund

<div>My name is Armonda, and I recently just lost my older brother, Trey Middleton-Ellwood. My brother Trey unexpectedly passed away two nights ago. <strong>My family was not prepared to deal with this tragedy.</strong> We are asking for help with funeral costs to give him a proper burial. <strong>Trey was an amazing son, big brother, and an even better dad.</strong> His biggest dream and accomplishment was becoming a dad. My brother leaves behind his beautiful two-year-old son, Jamison. Most of you who know me and my family know that we have come to know great loss, as this is the third sibling we have lost way too soon. We greatly appreciate any and all donations and ask that you keep us in your prayers.
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A Proper Farewell for Trey Middleton-Ellwood

<div>Dear Friends,
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<div>We are reaching out to you today with heavy hearts to share the story of Julie, a brave 3-year-old girl who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Julie's parents, Nikki and Mike, are facing a long and difficult road ahead as they navigate their daughter's treatment and care.
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<div>Julie, this smart, active, beautiful little being, is just starting her battle of this terrible disease. She is a Warrior dressed as a Princess with the most amazing determination.
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<div>It goes without saying that this will not only be emotionally challenging for Mike, Nikki, Julie and Julie's 1 year-old sister Rosie but also financially burdensome for the family.
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<div>Your generosity, no matter how big or small, can make a significant difference in Julie's fight against cancer.
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<div>Your donation will help cover the costs of medical expenses, countless trips to the children's hospital for treatments and appointments, and other unforeseen expenses as they navigate this battle.
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<div>More importantly, your support will bring hope and strength to Julie and her family.
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Support Julie's Brave Battle Against Cancer

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<div>Your donation will be used for: a modest celebration of Jane Resh Thomas’ life on August 15, an obituary, Jane's final (minor) expenses, AND a donation in Jane's memory to a nonprofit writing or reading organization.
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<div><strong>Celebration August 15: </strong>
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<div>A celebration of Jane Resh Thomas’ life will be held <strong>August 15</strong> (Jane’s birthday) from <strong>5:30 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. program</strong>, at <strong>Moir Park</strong>, 10320 Morgan Ave. S., <strong>Bloomington</strong>, MN. <strong>Bring a dish if you wish.</strong> Water and picnic supplies will be provided. Children are welcome; playgrounds are nearby. Everyone is welcome, whether you always agreed with Jane’s views or not.
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<div>On Monday evening, June 12, surrounded by hundreds of books, Jane closed the book of short stories she planned to discuss at Tuesday’s writing workshop, crawled in bed and fell asleep for the last time.
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<div>Jane, 86, was pleased she survived her hospital and rehab center stays in May and appreciated her writer family circling ‘round.
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<div>Jane’s only child, Jason, who suffered from depression, died by suicide in 2016.
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<div><strong>Jane’s legacy: </strong>
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<div>Jane’s influence on children’s literature in Minnesota and nationally is legendary. She was a brilliant college instructor, workshop leader, conference speaker, private editor/coach and author of 15 published books. She was instrumental in the founding of the Hamline University’s MFA in writing for children and young adults. She mentored many award-winning authors, including, most well-known, Kate DiCamillo and, most recently, Daniel Bernstrom. She believed in us all.
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<div>Jane received numerous awards, including the Minnesota Book Award (twice) and the U of M Kerlan Award for contributions to children’s literature. She was also influential as a children’s book review newspaper columnist for a couple of decades in the Minneapolis Tribune and elsewhere.
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<div><strong>An obituary: </strong>
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<div>The Pioneer Press wrote a <a href="https://www.twincities.com/2023/06/17/author-and-writing-mentor-jane-resh-thomas-dies-at-86/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">news story</a> about Jane’s death. The Star Tribune declined to write a news story. Because Jane has no family to pay for an obit, funds are needed for that.
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<div><strong>Donation: </strong>
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<div>Thank you for considering donating to this fund (for this event, a Star Trib obit, Jane’s final expenses, and a donation to a writing or reading nonprofit).
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<div>For more info, contact: Theo Olson, Jane’s executor, at <a href="https://gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email redacted]</a>
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<div>Or Julie Evans at <a href="https://gmail.com." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email redacted].</a>
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<div><strong>Thank you</strong> from “the Muskrats,” Jane’s last writers’ workshop members (Shari A., Laurie J., Katy G., Joy K., Julie E. and Theo O.)
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Jane Resh Thomas Celebration of Life Aug 15...plus

<div>Hi, my name is Heidi Carter and I own Bogan Books in Fort Kent, ME. I just found out that my friend, <strong>Gibran Graham</strong>, owner of <strong>The Briar Patch</strong> in Bangor, ME, had a stroke. <strong><em>As an independent bookstore owner, Gibran will need help with medical expenses related to his hospitalization.</em></strong> In addition to the stroke itself, he was also life-flighted to Portland due to the severity of his condition and it is unknown at this time what that additional expense may be.
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<div>As it stands now, he will be in the hospital for several weeks and will need to undergo rehab to achieve recovery. Although his staff is keeping the store open for him while he is out, small business owners do not get vacation pay or sick leave. Not to mention, Gibran is a very hands-on store owner. (I was in Bangor this December with family and when we walked by his store and peeked in the window, I was surprised to find him there - well after midnight - checking in books to be ready for the next day.)
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<div>Needless to say, this is a very challenging time for him. If you can provide any help at all - I know it would be greatly appreciated.
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<div><strong>Let me tell you a little bit about Gibran.</strong>
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<div>To be honest, I am still getting to know him, but that in itself says a lot about Gibran. In 2018, when I decided to open a bookstore in northern Maine, I didn't know where to begin. Not long after I began advertising the opening of Bogan Books, Gibran reached out to me. He could have not reached out, he could have tried to convince me that I couldn't open another bookshop in Maine, and he could have been condescending or mean. But he wasn't any of that. Instead, without knowing me at all, he welcomed me into the world of indie booksellers in Maine. He introduced me to a community of amazing people and he continually made sure I knew about meetings and programming opportunities that he thought would be helpful to me and my store. Gibran doesn't know this, but he was my game-changer.
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<div>That's Gibran.
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<div>He is extremely community centered - I have learned that he isn't one to sit on the sidelines. He is involved in the community of Bangor from city government to theatre, collaborative events, and more.
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<div>He supports authors, schools, literacy, and other local establishments. He also gets involved with the bookselling world as much as he is allowed and has often presented authors at regional meetings and worked on committees for the American Bookseller Association. He is passionate about selling books and also helping people find the right book for them.
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<div>Gibran stands up for ideas that matter not just to him but to the world at large, but he always remains kind.
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<div>I hope when his friends and community see this, that they will share more good vibes about Gibran. He's done so much for the people that are lucky enough to be included in his life. I am hoping that if we all pitch in, we will help make a difference to a man who has made a big difference in the lives of others.
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Help With Medical Expenses for Gibran Graham

Our dear friend Ellen is facing recently diagnosed breast cancer. She has been undergoing treatment and the medical bills are piling up. If you could donate, even a little, it would help so much. Ellen has lived her life helping others, please join me in returning some of the love and healing she has spread to everything and everyone she has touched. <br /><br />Recent testing found that a contributing factor underlying the cancer is massive inflammation caused, in part, by heavy metal toxicity, parasites, mold toxicity, general and specific stress and a festering root canal that requires surgery. <br /><br />Since Ellen has been a Wholistic Healthcare Professional for 44 years practicing Acupuncture, Traditional Reiki, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and working extensively with diets like macrobiotics, raw food, etc. she is following the path in keeping with her training and beliefs and using methods which support healing and detoxification.<br /><br />She has been fortunate to find a Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner who is providing high dose VitaminC with other beneficial and proven ingredients, IV heavy metal detox, an anti-parasitic formula, and mold mitigation in her home. The root canal tooth will be extracted this week (according to the protocols of Dr Thomas Rau), and the mercury fillings soon to follow.<br /><br />Working closely with an Oncological Nutritionist is giving Ellen the daily foundation for her healing. Both of these professionals have over 30 years experience.<br /><br />Ellen's Integrative Medical Doctor (with 60 years in practice) helps to tie together the different modalities and ask many difficult questions.<br /><br />Close, long time friends are meditating with her and offering remote and hands on healing sessions.<br /><br />Her treatment will cost approximately 48,000 dollars and will take about 9 months. The bulk of the money needs to be paid within the first 4 months which is why we are reaching out to you now. Please donate what you can now, and consider donating again next month. Your donation can have a massive positive impact in getting Ellen the treatment she needs and ridding her of the cancer and toxicity that is affecting her health.

Ellen, our dear friend,  needs our help

<div>Life can truly change in a blink of an eye.. sadness and fear are truly an understatement during this time, but for him, we stay strong. Travis is an amazing father that would do anything for his son, I met him when Zayden was 2 years old, and have loved him as my own ever since. As most of you now know by now Zay was diagnosed with round cell sarcoma, this cancer is quite rare. He will be receiving treatment in Albany Med. Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer. This will require multiple visits to Albany, staying 4 days at a time for each round of treatment, changing our schedules, and missing work. This will be a time of struggle for our little family and any support and donations are very appreciated.
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<div>Any donations will be used directly to make Zayden comfortable while he undergoes chemotherapy, and the rest will be saved for him as we are not yet sure his treatments will all be covered by his insurance. Travis and I thank every single one of you for your prayers and kindness.
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<div>Please share, and please continue to pray for our little boy.
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Fight for Zayden Cole

<p>Help us get Molly and LaMin out of Myanmar! 

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<p><span>You may have seen in the news that there is currently a military coup in Myanmar, Southeast Asia. Hundreds of people are being killed, and my sister and her wife are stuck in the middle of it! Due to LaMin being a Myanmar citizen, getting a Visa to come back to America isn’t so easy - or cheap! They’ve been through the wringer, including medical tests not being available, having to pay for housing while quarantining in other countries, and having to completely pack up their lives and home. </span><br />
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<p><span>Their lives have been completely upheaved, and the end goal is to get them here to America. In the meantime, there are costs for transportation (in Myanmar for different embassy and medical appointments), as well as the cost to fly here, and money spent on housing and food during their travel. Work is also limited due to being unsafe, and they will not be immediately making money when they return here. </span><br />
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<p><span>My parents and I want my sister and sister-in-law back home, and safe! Anything that you can contribute, big or small will be greatly appreciated. </span><br />
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Help LaMin and Molly Get to Minnesota!

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51475354_1601074087733086_r.jpeg" alt="51475354_1601074087733086_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><strong><br />What is El Norte Kitchen?<br /></strong><br />El Norte Kitchen (ENK) is a family owned and operated event driven food service business that’s been in operation for two years and is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. ENK serves Southwestern style comfort food, such as California burritos, tacos, loaded fries and desserts. ENK has operated as a pop-up restaurant (temporary restaurant that operates in various spaces, like existing restaurants) and is transitioning to a mobile food service business (food truck), with the goal to sell products at Farmers Markets, breweries, community events, weddings, graduation parties, catering, etc. <br /><br />Our goal is to begin food truck operations by Spring 2021. <br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51475354_1601073947283340_r.jpeg" alt="51475354_1601073947283340_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><strong><br />Who’s behind El Norte Kitchen?<br /></strong><br /><strong>Benjamin Allen</strong> (picture, right) – Benjamin Allen was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He’s been cooking 10 years. Ben moved to Tucson, Arizona when he was a young adult, he fell in love with the style of cuisine that he was able to purchase while living there. When he moved home to Minnesota, he quickly realized that he wasn’t able to find or purchase the foods he fell in love with, in Tucson. <br /><br />Ben was the youngest and first Executive Chef of color at W.A. Frost and Company in Saint Paul. His restaurant experience is wide and varied. When he met Tricia (his wife), the two of them started organizing pop-up events to showcase Ben’s cooking and the food he loved from Tucson. <br /><br />Ben loves spending time in the woods and cooking over fire. He listens to a lot of awesome music and obsesses over pizza and burgers. <br /><br /><strong>Tricia Allen </strong>(picture, center)– Tricia Allen was born and raised in the Twin Cities and has spent the majority of her career working in public education. She’s worked as a middle and high school teacher (Social Studies and Special Education) and as a Program Director for an alternative learning program. Although she’s left her career in public education to push her food business forward, she adores kids and is always paying attention to what is happening within public education.<br /><br />Tricia loves tending to her plants, watching shows about food and logging miles in her MN State Parks Hiking Club book. <br /><br /><strong>Elijah Allen</strong> (picture, left)– Elijah Allen was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He has been working in the Twin Cities restaurant scene for almost 10 years. Elijah is not only a phenomenal chef, but he’s also worked in ‘front of house’ roles during his career. Elijah has been an integral part of ENK since its inception. <br /><br />Elijah loves spending time in the woods and fishing. <br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51475354_1601074139792019_r.jpeg" alt="51475354_1601074139792019_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><strong><br />Mission and Vision Statement</strong> <br /><br /><strong>El Norte Kitchen Mission Statement</strong>: To be active community agents serving dishes to anyone that enjoys Southwestern style comfort food dishes in the Twin Cities. <br /><br /><strong>El Norte Kitchen Vision Statement</strong>: To be active and positive members of our community through warm service and delicious, ‘day-making’ kinds of foods. <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51475354_1601074169424626_r.jpeg" alt="51475354_1601074169424626_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><strong><br />Company Values:<br /></strong><br />With our Twin Cities community, our food, and our El Norte Kitchen family, we live these values: <br /><br /> ·       Inclusivity- Creating a culture of warmth and inclusivity, where everyone is welcome and has a safe place to belong.<br /><br />·       Community- We believe delicious food brings people together. We strive to improve our community through providing affordable food and partnering with local businesses for community events. <br /><br /> <br />El Norte Kitchen is rooted in love, positivity and support. We envision El Norte Kitchen growing into a community beacon of gathering, where everyone is welcome to eat together and feel a sense of belonging. As we grow, we look to partner with community organizations and volunteer our business. We also plan to organize donation-based events to serve vulnerable populations. <br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51475354_1601074207646036_r.jpeg" alt="51475354_1601074207646036_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Press</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/black-owned-businesses-in-the-twin-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSP Mag</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.chefsfeed.com/stories/1040-the-pop-up-bringing-sonoran-flavor-to-the-twin-cities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chefs Feed</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/food-drink/global-eats-the-best-food-from-around-the-world-in-the-twin-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minnesota Monthly</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.citypages.com/restaurants/el-norte-kitchen-this-may-be-the-end-of-the-concha-burger/567125281" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City Pages</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.twincitieshiphopcorner.com/literature/2020/1/15/el-norte-kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twin Cities Hip Hop Corner</a> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.derrickkoch.com/post/favorite-restaurants-in-twin-cities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Derrick Koch</a> <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51475354_1601074233837266_r.jpeg" alt="51475354_1601074233837266_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><strong><br /> From Pop-Up to Food Truck?</strong> <br /> <br /><strong>Yes, here is why</strong>: <br /><br />Mobility - We’ll be able to fully realize our core value of community because a food truck allows us to visit endless locations and serve various communities within the Twin Cities. <br /><br /> Safety - The Covid 19 pandemic has greatly altered the Twin Cities food scene and continues to do so. ENK feels most comfortable serving food in a truck because it’s outside. <br /><br /> Autonomy - By definition, a pop - up is a temporary restaurant, which for ENK has meant that we’ve had to find spaces to sell our food product. We are ready to have our own space and serve our food, our way, we want our customers to have the full ENK experience from the time they order their food to their last bite. <br /><br /><br /><strong>The wonderful news is that we've been approved for a loan to purchase a food truck, now we need help with a down payment and general updates (paint, etc). Our goal is to purchase the truck by the beginning of December 2020, we plan to make improvements during the winter and be in full operation by Spring of 2021. </strong><br /><br /><strong>The support will mean the world to us,  we'll be able to consistently feed our El Norte Kitchen Family and progress towards actualizing our core values of serving the community. </strong><br /><br /><strong>Please know that we are sincerely grateful for any and every penny, dollar, shout out and/or share. </strong><br /><br /><strong>Peace, Love and #rollup </strong><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51475354_1601074364398552_r.jpeg" alt="51475354_1601074364398552_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Help El Norte Kitchen buy a FOOD TRUCK!

Hello Everyone!<br /><br />My name is Shaneka Peters. I was born with a bi-lateral hair lip and cleft palate.  This medical condition has had a profoundly negative impact on my life when it comes to overall health. But despite that, I have thrived. However, it hasn’t been easy. Now, finally, after enduring multiple procedures, I have an opportunity to fix this once and for all. But the fix comes with a steep price. So I need your help. Please consider a small donation. Even if you cannot personally donate, I ask that you please share my story with others, because someone else may be able to help. Every little bit helps and is highly appreciated.  With that, let me share my full story.<br />A Bi-lateral Hair-lip and Cleft Palate is a congenital disorder where the soft and hard palates in your mouth does not fully form and fuse.  It resulted in the roof of my mouth being open on the inside and on the outside, my top lip was separated.  My Mother was only 16 when she had me.  They told her that I would have major issues as a result.  They told my mom that I would not be able to speak clearly or be understood.  They told her that I would have constant dental issues.  They told her that I would be mentally retarded. When I was 3 days old, I had my first surgery to close my palate and then my lip after a few months.  Since then I have had several surgeries at different stages in my life to close my palate, my top lip (I still bear the scars from where they tried to give me a “cupid’s bow”), to lift my nose where the first time, they took a bone from behind my right ear and then the second time where they took a bone from my right rib all before age 11.  My Grandmother wouldn’t allow the doctor’s predictions to be correct.  She took me to see Speech Therapist to help me talk and be understood.  She helped teach me to read and memorize whole stories and books by age 3.  I was telling Children’s Stories as church to my peers by age 4.  I was making straight A’s in school all through 8th grade. She taught me to live and act like there was nothing wrong with me and I was normal just like everyone else. But the one thing that did come true, was the constant dental issues.<br />As a kid, I grew in my baby teeth as most kids do.  When I lost my baby teeth, I went awhile without teeth in those spots.  I remember the embarrassment of always having the solo in the Christmas program to “All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth” for several years through Elementary school.  Because my mouth was so small, when teeth did grow back in, they were not the teeth that belonged to that area.  During my Middle School years, I had a molar growing where my 2 front teeth should have been.  It lasted for a couple years and then went bad, so it had to be pulled.  By my Freshman year in High school, I again had teeth growing in the front, but they were my canine teeth.  They lasted for a few years as well then began to go bad and had to be pulled.  I always had to go to Prosthodontists because they specialize in my condition.  Constant dental visits to fill, then root canal, then pull teeth were my normal life. To be honest, I never showed it outwardly, but the constant teasing and shaming that I went through during my childhood years caused a lot of grief for me.  And then for my reality of being an adult still with missing teeth was equally embarrassing and depressing to me especially because I still faced teasing and neglect from adults.  Not to mention the health aspect always being a worry, knowing that dental issues are linked to heart and other health problems, and infections that could enter the brain and cause damage, and even something so simple like what I could eat or not because I couldn’t sufficiently chew.  So finally, in 2013, at 36 years old, my Prosthodontist and I decided that the best course of action would be to have the remaining of my top teeth pulled and replace it with a full Prosthetic denture and a partial denture for my bottom jaw to replace my missing molars on both sides.  So once again, I was blessed to undergo the major surgery to have it done and for a while, I finally felt beautiful and healthy.<br />Now once again, I am back at a crossroads and faced with dental challenges.  Over the last few years, my dentures have become loose and ill fitting. I am experiencing pain and discomfort when I eat.  My palate is starting to separate because there is nothing in the jawbone to keep it strong and healthy.  I have been receiving these flyers from Clear Choice Dental Implant center for a few months.  I remembered that my Prosthodontist told me that eventually, I would have to transition to something more permanent like implants to maintain my dental health.  I made an appointment and went.  I met with a Prosthodontist there during my free consultation.  They took a 360 degree CT scan which showed my current situation.  He explained to me that under normal conditions, I would not be a candidate for implants.  The bone in the front of my mouth (the area between the canine area under your nose) is completely gone.  On the sides where my molars would be, the bone needs to be at least 11mm long, and I have 12.1mm.  It also needs to be 5mm wide and I have 5.2mm. But because a full jaw implant requires 4 posts to be placed, and I have no bone in the front, it would require to have a special surgeon to place the posts in the zygomatic bone (cheek bone) and the only one in the area who is qualified to do that works within their office.  He also informed me that the front 6 bottom teeth that I do have are all starting to show signs of weakening and going bad and so they also would need to be pulled and replaced with a full bottom implant as well.  <br />This is where I am asking for your help.  Implants are a permanent lifelong solution to my dental problems.  The total cost for this procedure I was quoted is $55,000.00 from start to finish. And I was told that this price is good for 90 days. I am a Wife, Mother of 5, Grandmother of 1 and I could never afford this work.  I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse since 2001 who works 10-12 hour nights, 4 days a week, taking care of Pediatric patients. I have been a full time Nursing student working towards my RN, BSN since 2015.  I am working towards my degree so that I can apply to the US Public Health Service so that I can serve with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS to educate youth ages 13-24 (the highest transmission group) to help slow the progression of this disease until a cure can be achieved.  I am a Master Guide who volunteers hundreds of hours every year with youth ages 10-18 in an organization called Pathfinders (like Boy/Girl Scouts) to provide Vocational, Physical, Spiritual, and Leadership training. I am only 42 years old.  To be in the prime of my life and career and be faced with the reality that very soon (less than 2 years according to Dentist), I won’t even have enough bone to support any dentures and therefore would have no teeth in my mouth is frightening especially when I’m trying to make such an impact on our Youth to help their future become healthier and brighter. It is frightening to know that once again my health could be at risk because of the link to dental issues.  I have been blessed to overcome almost everything the doctors said back in 1977 that I could not.  I am asking that you help me overcome this last hurdle not only to be presentable and professional, but to be healthy and live the message I am trying to portray.  I write poetry under the name of “Trinity” and I would like to leave you with a poem I wrote when I finally vocalized the burden that was placed on me.  May you be blessed by it. Thank you for taking time and reading my story and I hope that you consider helping. Please share it!<br /><br /><strong>“My One on One With Oprah”</strong><br /><br />In this disposition I will reveal a confession<br />A stress factor creating signs of depression<br />Bearing the scars of past healed incisions<br />I am not considered “normal”<br />I was born with a physical defect<br />My face is not “perfect”<br />I have a bi-lateral hair-lip<br />And cleft palate<br />My mouth projects<br />A bad painting<br />Wasting its portion of the canvas<br />My regret is yet another “Unexplainable It”<br />Cause there was nothing I could have done about it<br />I was picked<br />Out of an unusual lottery<br />To bless a young woman<br />With an extra helping of<br />Responsibilities<br />A teenage girl<br />To know her age simply<br />Add 9+4+3<br />For you slow folk<br />It equals 16<br />Because of this<br />I’ve endured many surgeries<br />To possibly correct my deformity<br />The goal was to give me a look of normalcy<br />Guiding my steps towards conforming<br />Then again,<br />Who says that I don’t look normal?<br />Like my face is informal attire<br />Worn at a Black-Tie affair hosted by society<br />I’m just one of a variety of looks<br />Yet unique<br />Not wanting to be labeled<br />A freak<br />Of nature<br />Big wagers<br />Bet on the solace of my existence<br />Destined to endure disgusted stares with consistence<br />Not taking the time to realize that I too<br />Was created in His image<br />See sin sometimes sacrifices the perfection of His likeness<br />Even still the value of my being is priceless<br />Although public scrutiny has me feeling indecisive<br />I may be different<br />But I’m not indignant<br />And I would appreciate it<br />If you quieted your ignorant<br />Attitudes<br />And used common sense<br />Think about how you would feel<br />Hearing those comments<br />I am not an inanimate object<br />My feelings and self-esteem are subjected<br />Pride and confidence torn down<br />Instead of erected<br />Like my link in the chain of humankind<br />Is not connected<br />Don’t you realize how I am affected?<br />Understand that I have to look in the mirror every day<br />And accept the fact that God made me this way<br />I am special no matter what anyone may say<br />And for you mean folks<br />I’ll bend my knees and pray<br />That the Son (as in JESUS) will light your eyes with a ray<br />Of sunshine<br />And brighten your spot filled minds<br />To realize that I’m not one of a kind<br />I live amongst many defective products<br />Of this crazy world despite my good conduct<br />Treat me with respect<br />Look past my displayed defect<br />Cause we all carry some form of irregularity<br />Even if it is something that you cannot see<br />I hope this broadens your outlook and perspective<br />That way I’ll no longer be neglected<br />Or rejected<br />Yes<br />My cleft palate and hair-lip<br />Makes me different<br />But I am still a person<br />Physical<br />Not invisible<br />And I wish to be treated<br />As such.<br /><br />© Trinity<br />      Jan. 10, 2K6 – Jan. 19, 2K6<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50194758_159729097492140_r.jpeg" alt="50194758_159729097492140_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

From Hair-lip & Cleft Palate to Health and Smile

<p><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48415066_1590901801881108_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="48415066_1590901801881108_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48415066_1590901822585054_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="48415066_1590901822585054_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48415066_1590901869251250_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="48415066_1590901869251250_r.jpeg" />Family and friends we need your help!<br /><br />Mama Safia opened her doors December 1, 2018 with little but her life savings instead of retiring at the age 66. Her passion for cooking led to her lifelong dream of owning her own restaurant. Mama Safia wanted to bring authentic Somali cuisine to the Longfellow Neighborhood. The restaurant’s motto was “From Our Kitchen To Yours” in which she made all her dishes from scratch. 
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<p><br />Mama Safia understands the anger pulsing throughout Minneapolis. We stand in solitary with George Floyd and his family. She states “I can always rebuild but we will NEVER get George back. My condolences to the Floyd family.”<br /><br />On March 18, Mama Safia closed her doors because of the stay at  home order for her safety and the safety of the community. She used her stimulus check, her husband’s and her daughters‘ to make the rent payment for the restaurant.<br /><br />On May 28, 2020 her dream was destroyed.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:1.0625rem;">Please help however you can.  </span>
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<p><br />This is organized by Mama Safia’s daughters
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Save Mama Safia’s Kitchen

Hello friends,<br /><br />As many of you know Megan and Lou's youngest child, Jack (2 years old), went into respiratory failure on Monday and was intubated and airlifted to the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse and has been in the pediatric ICU since then. Jack has been making tiny steps towards recovery, with a huge step on Friday - finally removing his breathing tube and being put on a cannula for oxygen and medication.<br /><br />Jack still has a road of recovery ahead of him. Continuing to take steps towards breathing on his own, mental and physical evaluations to see if there is any long term damage, along with physical therapy to build up his strength again. We are just so thankful that he has made all the progress he has during this terrifying week.<br /><br />We're just looking to cover some of the basic costs around this entire event for her family, along with some of the loss of income as they have had to take time off from work. We truly appreciate your generosity and are so thankful for any amount at all you can contribute.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46157966_1584199730422820_r.jpeg" alt="46157966_1584199730422820_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Megan's email updates and the full story of what happened are below:<br /><br />On Friday, March 6, our two-year-old son Jack developed a cough. It was a minor cough, but his brother was getting over pneumonia and we didn't want it to develop into anything further so we took him to the pediatrician. The doctor was able to hear something in his lungs and immediately made appropriate treatment and medication plans. <br /><br />He was doing fine on Saturday, still doing fine Sunday morning. Sunday evening he started to breathe a little harder so we adjusted the treatments accordingly and continued them throughout the night. Early Monday morning he was breathing much harder and the medication was no longer working. We called an ambulance to get transport to Bassett Hospital. By the time they arrived his lips and feet were blueish in color. <br /><br />The ambulance team was incredible. Helping raise his dangerously low oxygen level and getting him to the ER. In the ER, tests and labs were run and he was given oxygen to keep his levels up while we (not so patiently) waited. We were told nothing else would happen until he was transferred to the pediatric floor, and that he was being admitted for low oxygen due to a virus. <br /><br />A couple of hours after arriving at the ER we were brought up to pediatrics where they immediately saw he was breathing way, way too hard. He couldn't make a sound or take a full breath at all. They immediately tried another nebulizer treatment which did nothing and told us right away that he was going to need to be transferred. <br /><br />Unfortunately, while the transfer was being arranged he started to fail quickly. He was in a complete sweat just trying to take a breath. He was panicking and completely disoriented. We were starting to panic. They continued giving him oxygen, doing everything they were capable of doing while waiting to hear which hospital was available for transport. <br /><br />Then he became floppy and his eyes started to roll and we knew something was <em>very</em> wrong. The doctor immediately came in and explained they have to get him to the next facility the safest way possible, and that they were going to need to intubate him. Right. Now. A code was called as our room was immediately filled with tons of doctors and nurses. He was laid on the bed, given medication and immediately intubated. I stayed holding him until the very end, crying. I have never felt so helpless in my life. <br /><br />We were told the team was coming in 14 minutes at that point to transport him. They were hand bagging him so his lungs would circulate air and getting him hooked up to a respirator. I assumed an ambulance was coming to get him and I would be able to stay by his side in transport. However, we soon learned it was a helicopter and we were not allowed to go. I melted to the floor in the middle of the hallway, sobbing. How had we gone from a cough to being airlifted? What was going on?<br /><br />The air team came. We were all expecting immediate transport and to be on their way. However, Jack would not stabilize. He could not exhale and was retaining dangerous levels of CO2. They worked for a couple of hours, going back and forth with doctors at both hospitals, trying absolutely everything they could until they decided there was no more time. He was to be hand bagged with an oxygen tank the entire 30-minute flight. We felt terrified and helpless.<br /><br />We walked him outside, watching him be handbagged so he would continue living, gave him kisses, and watched him load into the ambulance to take him down to the helicopter. The entire Bassett crew that helped him from the pediatrics floor was absolutely amazing. They literally saved his life.<br /><br />From there, we got into our van and drove to Syracuse. Lou and I were both numb, terrified, and anxiously awaiting the call they had landed and he was in the doctors' care. <br /><br />One excruciating hour later we finally received the call. Saying we were beyond thankful is an understatement. Happy and fearful thoughts filled our heads as we had absolutely no idea what we would walk into 30 minutes later when we finally arrived.<br /><br />We walked into a huge team of pediatric ICU nurses and a doctor surrounding our sweet little Jack. He looked incredibly small in the huge bed with all his wires and vent attached. His CO2 levels had soared to 125 in flight (his current target range is 35-40). He had a partially collapsed lung. His lungs were not moving. He was given so many medications, put on a ventilator and watched meticulously by the incredible Syracuse team. <br /><br />Thankfully, his numbers have continually crept up to better and better levels. His collapsed lung is already doing better. The next challenge is him breathing on his own with no ventilator assistance. Allowing his breathing tube to come out and no longer be intubated and sedated.<br /><br />Having him in respiratory failure was a surreal living nightmare. Having the support of our incredible family and amazing friends all jumping to help make the mental stress more bearable. Thank you so much for all your help.<br /><br /><strong>March 10 Update</strong><br /><br />Our little guy is holding strong. They have been suctioning his lungs and pulling out lots of mucus. He is still sedated, still using the machine to breathe, still getting tons of medication. But numbers remain consistent today and baby steps moving in the right direction.<br /><br />It seems that he had the virus RSV, and, for some reason, his body had an asthmatic response causing his lungs to seize and cause respiratory distress. He also has a partial collapse on the top of his right lung. He had a blockage before/during transport that caused carbon dioxide levels to soar, but thankfully is doing much better with those levels...<br /><br /><strong>March 11 Update</strong><br /><br />Jack's morning x-ray showed great improvement in the collapsed lung. Pretty much normal.<br /><br />The next steps are trying to slowly move his dependency off the ventilator. We were told it is a delicate balancing act and the doctor has seen kids in these situations take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to eventually breathe on their own again. He was ticked down today on some settings, and he's definitely working harder, but the numbers are still in an ok range for the current goals, so we'll just have to wait and see. Still sedated. Still having heart-wrenching coughing/suctions. (His vocal cords are compressed with the tubes, so he is literally silent. No sound when coughing/looking like he is gagging. No sound when he cries, just silent tears. It is like watching a silent horror film. So, so sad.)<br /><br />Not out of the woods yet by any means, but moving in the right direction. ️<br /><br /><strong>March 12 Update</strong><br /><br />So I feel Jack made some good progress today! They changed his medication so he is still out but not as deeply sedated and is currently doing ok with the breathing machine changes that were made. We will see how that continues to go through the night, but I appreciate that for the moment it's going ok! His numbers are looking good, things moving in the right direction.

Help Support Megan and Lou Velandia

This is a fund raising campaign for Jenny Mannion’s mom, Geraldine Colburn, who on Friday, January 3rd, 2020 was told she has lung cancer that metastasized to her brain and that she would need to immediately start radiation therapy on Monday, January 6th, 2020 for the next 2 weeks. Geri, as she likes everyone to call her, wants to take this head-on and heal herself using conventional, complementary, herbal and energy medicine treatments.<br /><br />Your donations will help Geri in this, as well as financial needs for medical care incidentals, bills the insurance won’t cover, transportation to and from the hospital (5 days a week for the next 2 weeks) and then afterward for treating her lung cancer with chemo or immunotherapy for a few months, daily meal preparation,home medical supplies, house keeping, personal care and dog care. Her dog Luna is Geri’s life line but does need to be walked 4 to 5 times a day and Geri is unable to do this.<br /><br />Right now, all the burden is on Jenny who is an only child. This means so much to us as we love Jenny and Geri like they are family and are helping out already where we can. And we know that Jenny Mannion and Geri are beyond grateful for your contributions too.

Help Cover Geraldine Colburn’s Medical Costs

Tom and Naomi's  Fire Rebuild Fund

On the afternoon of December 29th, the Bucks (Amy, Jonas, Ian, and Marshal) were involved in a terrible car crash on Interstate 380 in Evansdale, IA (the rest of the family was in another car and thankfully not part of the crash).<br /><br />Follow this link to learn more: <a href="https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/09/st-paul-community-rallies-to-help-family-injured-in-horrific-crash-in-iowa/"><a href="https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/09/st-paul-community-rallies-to-help-family-injured-in-horrific-crash-in-iowa/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/09/st-paul-community-rallies-to-help-family-injured-in-horrific-crash-in-iowa/</a></a>

Buck Family Fund and Prayers

Something like this could never happen to me.” This perhaps was the thought that our friend Denise Falkowski had when she suffered a brain aneurism and stroke on April 22, 2017.<br /><br />As a self-employed hair designer for over 30 years, Denise has relied on not only her outgoing personality, as well as her ability to stand long hours to work magic with her hands and scissors.<br /><br />Every dollar raised will help Denise as she continues her journey to her new normal.<br /><br />As Denise faces another surgery in July  and continues to recover, we hope to help her with the financial burden she faces until she can return to her livelihood. She has dedicated over three decades of her life focusing on others; it’s time we return the favor.

Denises Journey to a New Normal

We are the new owners of the Marine General Store in Marine on St Croix, MN.  The General Store is the oldest general store in Minnesota in continuous operation since it's founding as the local mill's company store in 1849.  It's located in a small rural community in the beautiful St Croix River Valley.<br /><br />Three days after we bought the business, a long power failure ruined much of our inventory.  Although insurance did cover most of the loss, it took some time for the claim to be settled.  Replacing the inventory set us back on our heels, just as the peak income season was drawing to a close.  On top of that, our aged compressors began failing and ate up most of our operating capital for repairs and replacements.  <br /><br />We have an old frozen foods display case that is always breaking down and is a huge energy hog.  An energy audit showed that replacing this unit could save us $1000 a year in electrical usage, and a new unit would allow us to carry more merchandise so community members might have less need to travel the twenty minutes to a half hour for the nearest supermarket<br />We would like to replace it, but money is tight right now.  We've been making enough money to pay the bills and keep the lights on, but there's not much leftover for equipment upgrades or replacements.  A new freezer will cost $5250 plus freight, installation, and tax which may run us close to $9000-10,000.  Family members have pledged $5000 toward the replacement, so now we are hoping to raise the estimated $4000-5000 remaining.  We would like to replace the freezer by mid-July in time for our one-year anniversary.<br /><br />It's hard for us to ask for help when there are so many people that need the money more than we do.   Replacing the freezer would remove some stress from our lives knowing that there wouldn't be anymore middle of the night breakdowns, and a freezer with a stable environment will help maintain the quality of the frozen food.<br /><br />We thank you for any amount you can contribute.  Donations may also be made in person at the store.

Freezer replacement

My name is Elizabeth Raphaelson and I am the owner of The Underground Attic Vintage Boutique. I started UA when I was just a wee sophomore in college. I've been collecting and restoring vintage jewelry and clothing for as long as I remember, and when I was a broke college student I decided to turn that into my job, with eyes of turning it into my career.<br /><br />When I was in college I worked several part time jobs and funneled that money into buying inventory and investing in my business. I graduated in 2014 with a fashion and textiles degree with a specialty in historic costume. I immediately rented out the space that is the current UA shop, before I even found a post-college apartment. I took a risk, and it is indeed paying off! Things have been going excellently since I opened up about a year and a half ago, but I am ready to take the next step for the shop!<br /><br />Though I adore the space I'm in (gorgeous windows, brick wall, high ceilings and good energy) I know how much better I could do if I was not on the second floor of main street. I deal consistently with elderly people who need to haul things up my long flight of stairs, not to mention just the visibility from the ground floor of main street! <br /><br />So here's the kicker: A space opened up that I kid you not, is directly connected to the Oneonta Historical Society. This my friends, is what I call a dream boat. I've always wanted the shop to be more than just that- I want it to be an educational place where I can do lectures, host podcasts, create a mini museum and textile archive. This location would not only allow me to do that because of it's larger space, but would also mean I could do events in conjunction with the Historical Society! <br /><br />I went and viewed the location and have been approved, but I need to raise enough money to pay my security deposit, first month's rent and be able to paint and build a dressing room, get a sign, etc. before the space disappears! Ideally I would be moving in at the beginning of July when my lease in the current shop is up, which gives me just under two months to raise the money.<br /><br />I felt shy about using a crowdsourcing platform at first, but then I realized that from it's start, this has always been a community effort! There is no way I could have gotten this far without the incredible support of so many wonderful people. Whether it's friends showing up to paint , community members spreading the word, or working with the SUCO Fashion Department, every step has been a ride shared with the best company.<br /><br />For the cost of a cup of coffee, that I swear to buy you once UA is booming on the first floor, you can help expand a young business that is not only my career, but also a deep passion. I love history, education and the fact that using these things makes recycling clothing and using what we have exciting and accessible. <br /><br />Thank you so much for believing in me. Oneonta is an amazing place that I want to take a strong foot-hold in so that my business and I can grow with it.<br /><br />Love always,<br />Elizabeth &amp; UA

Move UA to the First Floor!

We started <a href="https://www.facebook.com/inheritancefarmnh/?ref=hl" target="_blank">Inheritance Farm</a> as a permaculture research homestead and community educational space on 200 acres of long-ago dairy farm in central New Hampshire.<br /><br />Our mission is to teach our local communities, as well as the more global community through online media, that anyone can use permaculture's principle and ethics to achieve a more sustainable and holistic life; that our planet's dire future can be altered for the better by making small changes in the way we think and act; and that community is the most important resource we have. We believe that the inheritance that matters most is the one we leave for the next generation, and that it should be a better place than the one we inhabit now.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/7490705_1449681795.5088_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br />With our three small children in tow, we have worked for three years to bring our farm from dairy-farm-turned-country-home back to a working farm, and into a new identity as a community learning space. Sam grew up on the land and we were married here in 2008. We have known for a long time that it is a space worth saving from the encroaching grasp of development, and the perfect location to build our dream. When his parents decided to leave, we leased the farm on a shoe-string budget, and have put all our energy into finding creative ways to preserve and save the space from development. <br /><br />Since we began truly working the farm, we have been host to many hands-on skills workshops such as building high-tunnel greenhouses, the design and building of rocket mass heaters, cob and plaster work, self-watering gardens through earthworks, "no-stink" biochar outhouses, and designing a chicken coop "biosphere."  Sam,  an innovator and inventer who studied permaculture under <a href="http://geofflawton.com/" target="_blank">Geoff Lawton</a> ‌, is responsible for the ideas we implement on the farm. Erin raises heritage (and endangered) Pilgrim geese and Swedish ducks, and tends the family's pigs, chickens and gardens, some of which are deditated solely to food pantry donations each year. <br /><br />This summer the farm saw its largest success when we were chosen to host the third annual New Hampshire Permaculture Day, during which we celebrated community knowledge sharing with over 300 people from across central New England. It was a magical day with 40 classes/workshops and a home-grown and locally-sourced meal, and this farm truly came to life. <br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/7490705_1449627870.3799_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br />So, where do you come in? We started this farm with a grand idea, a shoestring budget, and an opportunity to close out the mortgage debt in the next couple years through easements that would preserve the land forever, regardless of who lives here. It looked like we would be able to make it all come together and the community support and momentum we have gathered has been immense, but this fall we had some catastropic bills that pushed us too far back to catch up. We lost both our aging cars to irreparable break-downs within one week; Sam made an unexpected trip off-farm to help family during a sudden illness; there was an unexpected hike in the lease payment, and a slower-than-anticipated process toward the farm refinancing; the barn roof needs repair to salvage its historical value; all these and several smaller issues have created a perfect storm that threatens to overcome our mission. We are so close to seeing this land preserved under conservation easement for future generations to use and enjoy. We are so close... but not close enough, and the loss of the entire farm to housing development is imminent. <br /><br />With your help, we can keep this farm in the hands of our community, both local and afar, for all to use as a learning space for generations to come. We have seen the spirit generated by each workshop and class and farm tour we have hosted. We know this can work, if we can just clear this hurdle. We have a solid plan that will allow us to afford the stewardship of the farm. Our future plans are to host permaculture design certification courses; create a wedding location in an oak grove with a view of the mountains; restore the historic suspension barn and use it for functions, community gathering space, and educational workshops; raise more food that we can donate to those in need, and/or donate a section of hayfield to community garden space; research and develop more innovative ways to be sustainable, and pass those ideas along to others; partner with area schools and colleges for sustainability education space and classes; and more.  <br /><br />All-told, with structural repairs to the roof and fees to catch us up with the bank (which will allow the conservation folks to move forward), we need to find $40,000 in the next couple months to resume the momentum toward preservation and continuation of the farm. We have already been blessed by an outpouring of love and support from the community, but we're not there yet. <strong>We are grateful for any help, and are asking anyone who wants to partner with us by becoming a financial benefactor to please be in touch. We have many partnership opportunities we can offer, from land use to education exchange, and more.</strong> <br /><br />We thank you for reading, for considering a donation, for sharing this call for help with your friends, and for anything you can do, no matter how small. We hope with all our hearts that we will have the opportunity to meet every donor in person, and we invite you to visit the farm you will become a part of. As a show of our gratitude, we pledge that in the course of our tenure on Inheritance Farm, we will pay forward each and every donation we receive, times three, in money, time, energy, and/or food to future causes that need our love and support.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/7490705_1449681837.843_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>An inheritance is a transaction between past, present and future. Our experience as stewards of the land is on the shoulders of those who came before us. Those who come next must have strong shoulders to likewise stand upon. What inheritance are we leaving for the next </strong><strong>generation? Please help us to create a space where all can find and learn the most crucial inheritance we can offer: a sustainable future.</strong>

Help Save Our Educational Farm

In September of 2014, Jack Strother developed a rare form of cancer which caused a mixed germ cell tumor in his mediastinum.  Since then Jack has endured chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Although the first form of cancer appeared to be healing, he began degrading in September 2015 and he is currently afflicted with Histiocytic Sarcoma - a rare form of blood cancer with no proven cure. <br /><br />Jack was 19 years old when first diagnosed with cancer.  As he turns 21 he is in a new battle and he continues with what will be months of aggressive treatment.   He began Chemo again in Mid November at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.  This could go on as long as 24 weeks. In about 9-12 weeks decisions may be made regarding a bone marrow transplant, gene therapy or hopsice - it is just unknown at this time.<br /><br />The extended Strother and Amatetti family have been covering the medical and related costs thus far, but costs continue to accumulate and will go for years.  In addition, the ordeal will take years out of Jack’s life setting him back just as he was starting out.  He has had to quit jobs he was counting on to pay for college coursework and life expenses. Now he is looking at an idefinite delay in his college and life plans.<br /><br />Jack is an energetic person with a huge heart and always carries a positive, yet practical attitude.  He is resourceful and hard working. His curious mind keeps him constantly on the move. He loves adventure, nature, hiking and being around his friends.  He is a self-taught guitarist since the age of 11 and playing guitar is his true love.   He is a great brother to his sister, Isabel, and Brother, DJ.  Before signs of this new cancer, Jack quickly got back to living and pursuing his goals.  He carefully laid out his college plan with interests in computer science and health care.   Within two months, he already found himself a new job as Pharmacy Technician for Walgreens, and later added a job serving NY style bagels in Psychedelicatessen close to where he resides with friends in Troy, NY.   <br /><br />Jack has so much ahead of him and his family will continue to be supportive financially and emotionally.  His prognosis will continue to be uncertain.  We are asking for your support to help Jack reestablish himself with seed money to pay for life expenses, money to enjoy pastimes that he loves, medical expenses not covered, and the cost of trips to the city. We so appreciate your prayers, kind words or loving actions of any kind.<br /><br />Please help to get him back on his feet again. Thank you for his support!

HELP JACK FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

LeeAnn Kuhn

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LeeAnn Kuhn

LeeAnn Kuhn

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