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Khloe

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 <strong>Please Help Us Cover My Dad’s Laser Prostate Surgery</strong>
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 Hello everyone,
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 I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for your support for my father, Francisco Javier Aguilar Sánchez.
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 <strong>He was recently diagnosed with a serious prostate condition that requires urgent laser prostate surgery to improve his health, prevent further complications, and restore his quality of life.</strong>
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 My dad has always been a strong, hardworking man and the pillar of our family. Watching him endure constant pain and discomfort has been incredibly difficult for all of us.
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 Unfortunately, the total cost of the procedure, pre-operative testing, and post-operative care is approximately $15,000, which is far beyond what our family can afford at this time.
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 What does the procedure involve?
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 <strong>My father will undergo laser prostate surgery (HoLEP or a similar procedure).</strong> This is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatment that is much safer and more effective than traditional open surgery.
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 During the procedure, the urologist will use a specialized laser fiber to precisely remove the enlarged prostate tissue that is blocking his urinary flow.
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 Because it is minimally invasive, it offers several important benefits, including:
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 * Lower risk of bleeding
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 * Faster recovery
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 * Less postoperative pain
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 * Shorter hospital stay
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 * Better long-term outcomes
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 How will the funds be used?
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 Every dollar donated will go directly toward covering my father’s medical expenses, including:
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 * Operating room and surgical procedure costs
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 * Medical team fees (urologist and anesthesiologist)
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 * Pre-operative laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), and pathology analysis of the removed tissue
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 * Prescription medications
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 * Post-operative antibiotics and pain management
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 * Follow-up urology appointments during the four weeks after surgery
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 Any donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to getting my dad the surgery he urgently needs.
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 If you’re unable to contribute financially, we would be deeply grateful if you could share this fundraiser with your friends, family, coworkers, or on your social media and messaging groups.
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 On behalf of my entire family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, your prayers, and your support during this difficult time.
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 May God bless you all.
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 Por favor, ayúdanos a cubrir la cirugía láser de próstata de mi papá
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 Hola a todos:
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 Hoy me acerco a ustedes con el corazón en la mano para pedir su apoyo para mi papá, Francisco Javier Aguilar Sánchez.
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 Recientemente fue diagnosticado con un problema grave de próstata que requiere una cirugía láser de manera urgente para mejorar su salud, evitar complicaciones y devolverle la calidad de vida que tanto merece.
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 Mi papá siempre ha sido un hombre fuerte, trabajador y el pilar de nuestra familia. Ha dedicado su vida a cuidar de los demás, y verlo enfrentar este dolor y la incomodidad constante ha sido muy difícil para todos nosotros.
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 Lamentablemente, el costo total del procedimiento, los estudios médicos y los cuidados posteriores a la cirugía asciende aproximadamente a $15,000 dólares, una cantidad que está completamente fuera de nuestras posibilidades económicas en este momento.
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 ¿En qué consiste la cirugía?
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 Mi papá será sometido a una cirugía láser de próstata (HoLEP o un procedimiento similar), una técnica de alta tecnología que es mucho más segura y efectiva que la cirugía abierta tradicional.
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 Durante el procedimiento, el urólogo utilizará una fibra láser especializada para remover con precisión el tejido prostático que está obstruyendo el flujo urinario.
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 Al tratarse de una cirugía de mínima invasión, ofrece importantes beneficios, entre ellos:
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 * Menor riesgo de sangrado.
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 * Recuperación mucho más rápida.
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 * Menor dolor postoperatorio.
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 * Menos días de hospitalización.
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 * Mejores resultados a largo plazo.
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 ¿Cómo se utilizarán los fondos?
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 Cada dólar recaudado será destinado exclusivamente a cubrir los gastos médicos relacionados con la cirugía de mi papá, incluyendo:
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 * Costos del quirófano y del procedimiento quirúrgico.
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 * Honorarios del equipo médico (urólogo y anestesiólogo).
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 * Estudios preoperatorios, como análisis de sangre, electrocardiograma y el estudio patológico del tejido extraído.
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 * Medicamentos necesarios para su recuperación.
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 * Antibióticos, analgésicos y tratamiento postoperatorio.
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 * Consultas de seguimiento con el urólogo durante las cuatro semanas posteriores a la cirugía.
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 Cualquier donación, por pequeña que sea, nos acerca un paso más a que mi papá pueda recibir la atención médica que necesita con urgencia.
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 Si en este momento no les es posible hacer una aportación económica, les pedimos de todo corazón que nos ayuden compartiendo esta campaña con sus familiares, amigos, compañeros de trabajo y en sus redes sociales. Compartir también es una gran forma de ayudarnos.
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 En nombre de toda mi familia, queremos expresar nuestro más sincero agradecimiento por su generosidad, sus oraciones y el apoyo que nos puedan brindar en este momento tan importante para la salud de mi papá.
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 Que Dios los bendiga y les multiplique toda la bondad que hoy siembran en nuestras vidas. Muchísimas gracias por acompañarnos en este camino.
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Please Help Us Cover My Dad’s Laser Prostate Surgery

<div>ESPAÑOL ABAJO
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<div>This fundraiser is for a beloved Oakland resident who spent two years as the au pair for an ultimate frisbee family, becoming an integral part of their lives and the local community. Chantal entered the United States lawfully in 2023 with a J-1 visa as an au pair, complied with the terms of her visa, and has a recent pending application with the immigration authorities that would provide her with status. She is now living and working in Oakland on a work permit. Recently, while trying to return home to Oakland, she was detained by ICE at the Denver airport. In a shocking turn of events, she was taken from the jetway and hustled into an unmarked van on the tarmac. With the help of friends and supporters, we have tracked her down to an ICE facility, and are now doing everything we can to secure the legal support she needs for the long fight ahead.
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<div>The funds raised will go toward her legal fees, covering the many hours of representation required to help her regain her freedom and return to her loved ones in Oakland. The legal process is complex and costly, but with your support, we can give her the best chance to come home and reunite with the family and community who care deeply for her.
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<div>We are asking for your help during this urgent and difficult time. Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser to support her journey back to Oakland. Your generosity will make a real difference in her life and help bring her home to the people who love her.
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<div>Because Chantal is currently incarcerated, she isn't able to manage funds directly. All donations from this campaign are being withdrawn and transferred to her host family, who is coordinating her legal representation and handling logistics on her behalf. Funds raised will go toward legal representation as well as essential expenses including rent, since she is unable to work during her detention.
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<div>ESPAÑOL:
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<div>Esta recaudación de fondos es para nuestra querida Chantal. Chantal ingresó legalmente a los Estados Unidos en 2023 con una visa J-1 como au pair, cumplió con los términos de su visa y cuenta con una solicitud reciente pendiente ante las autoridades migratorias que le otorgaría su estatus. Actualmente vive y trabaja en Oakland con un permiso de trabajo. Recientemente, cuando intentaba regresar a Oakland, fue detenida por ICE en el aeropuerto de Denver. En un giro impactante de los acontecimientos, fue sacada del puente de abordaje y trasladada rápidamente a una camioneta sin identificación en la pista del aeropuerto. Con la ayuda de amistades y personas que la apoyan, logramos localizarla en un centro de detención de ICE y ahora estamos haciendo todo lo posible para conseguir el apoyo legal que necesita para enfrentar el largo proceso que tiene por delante.
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<div>Los fondos recaudados se destinarán directamente a cubrir sus gastos legales, incluyendo las muchas horas de representación jurídica necesarias para ayudarla a recuperar su libertad y regresar con sus seres queridos en Oakland. El proceso legal es complejo y costoso, pero con tu apoyo podremos darle la mejor oportunidad de volver a casa y reunirse con la familia y la comunidad que tanto la quieren.
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<div>En este momento tan urgente y difícil, te pedimos tu apoyo. Por favor, considera hacer una donación y compartir esta recaudación de fondos para ayudarla en su camino de regreso a Oakland. Tu generosidad marcará una verdadera diferencia en su vida y contribuirá a que vuelva con las personas que la aman.
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Support Chantal's Legal Fight for Freedom

<div>Hi my name is Aaed Ahmad, I am living with my family in Palestine - Gaza. What the world sees in pictures and videos the ground reality is far more brutal and cruel. I am reaching out to all those people who in their hearts feel our pain and want to help us. Please donate so that we can survive. This genocide will be written down in history, please make sure you are on the right side. All your donations mean the world to us. 

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<div>Our friend Rashem Uzair is helping us organise this fundraiser, so it can reach more people and more people can help us. 
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<div>Every passing day is adding to our misery and it is getting hard to survive. All our safe locations are now under attack. 
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<div>Please help us - we need all your support. 
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‏Save Ahmed and his family's life

<div>I am Anas from Gaza. I am 24 years old. I am a photographer and I have a passion and dreams that I want to achieve. I was displaced from Gaza with my family consisting of: my father and mother And my 
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<div>sisters: Huda and Sama And my 
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<div>brothers: Muhammad, Ahmed, Momen, Khaled, Hamza, and Yazan the youngest.
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<div>We used to live in safety and tranquility, but now we find ourselves homeless. My lens used to depict a beautiful, natural life filled with love. My lens now sees the suffering of people, destroyed homes, and homeless children.
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<div>My decision to take this step and seek your support came due to the high costs required of us for travel, and in order to continue my passion and work as a freelance photographer.
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<div>My house was destroyed, my photography tools were lost, and my workplace was destroyed, which led to me being out of work. We waited and endured in the hope of returning and repairing what was destroyed, but unfortunately the war is still continuing and has not stopped, and even if it stops, we will need a lot of time to repair what was ruined. All that remains for me now is to try to leave the Gaza Strip to rebuild my life and continue my work and passion, and then return to Gaza if the area calms down completely.
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<div>With your support and love, I will reach my goal.
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Help 24-year-old Anas continue his passion and survive

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52952258_160679395251561_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52952258_160679395251561_r.jpeg" />Hello everyone. Unfortunately, I am writing  this because my Father, Boris Andres Velasquez, died. For the past few years he had struggled with alcoholism and its complications. He had been in the hospital for some time. Upon the dawn of 11/28/2020 he fell and suffered a brain hemorrhage that bled internally causing brain death. On 11/29/2020 I decided to take my father off life support. He was declared dead at 5:05 pm on 11/29/2020.<br /><br />My dad leaves behind his two sons, my brother Xavier and myself, and his grandson Clemente and my step-daughter Luna, as well as his mother, Ana and his siblings Jon and Gina. It saddens me that my children won't grow up knowing him the way I did.<br /><br />My father's death was unexpected and my family and I need help to cover the costs of his funeral and memorial services. My father had many people that loved him and I have appreciated all the calls and desire to help out. Please contribute to this page and share, as this is where we need the most help. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52952258_1606793327290077_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52952258_1606793327290077_r.jpeg" />

Memorial and Rites fund for Boris

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51104162_1600189110607446_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="51104162_1600189110607446_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51104162_160018912780274_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="51104162_160018912780274_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51104162_1599710925764934_r.jpeg" alt="51104162_1599710925764934_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />On September 9th, 2020, the unimaginable happened.  The complete loss and devastation of the Bear Fire took Sara's world.  <br /><br />She is safe, a bit traumatized after driving out of Berry Creek through a bridge that was on fire but<strong> she is ALIVE</strong>.  Sadly her home did not survive.  <br /><br />A heartbreaking situation....the quiet mountain home she always dreamed of, surrounded by nature is gone.  It was a place that offered her family a calm retreat from a world surviving a pandemic.  An oasis for her grandchildren to explore and adventure. <br /><br />She will rebuild back in Berry Creek but will need to rent a place to live for the next 6-12 months (maybe even longer)....buy items she couldn't get into the truck before she left.  <br /><br />As with most of us, she is not one to ask for help so I'm doing this for her.  Any support to help her efforts to get back on her feet is so appreciated.  Thank you for anything you can do to help my Tia.

Help Sara rebuild

Uno de nuestros compañeros de trabajo fue asaltado y brutal mente golpeado por 3 afroamericanos y estamos tratando de <br />Ayudarlo económicamente este caso está pasando en el noticiero univision ..si gustas donar algo se agradecería mucho.. Bendición es...

Antonio Ramirez

Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund

<br />Once upon a time, an idea ignited our hearts. Matthew Young Smith approached me about doing a fundraiser for Love Without Borders. What's love you may ask? Love comes in different colors, shapes, and sizes. We had this beautiful calling to bring two friends, who love each other, together. But because of many borders, one being the big ocean is keeping them apart. This campaign is dedicated to one of my best friends who I adore and admire. We want him to reunite with the love of his life! <br /><br />Un día tuvimos una maravillosa idea que ilumino nuestras mentes. Qué es amor? El amor viene de diferentes colores, formas y tallas. Esta idea fue diseñada por Laura Ibsen y Matthew Young Smith. Tenemos dos amigos enamorados pero una de las barreras es el océano que los separa. Esta campaña esta dedicada a unos de mis mejores amigos a quien adoro y admiro. Queremos que él se reúna con el amor de su vida.  <br /><strong> <br />Por favor lea la Historia de Su Amor!<br />  Please Read their Story Below!<br /><br />                                                                                                      The Love Story <br /></strong><span style="font-size:1.0625rem;"><br />The day I met Yohan my life was never the same. It was a moment when nothing in the universe could have prevented us from making the divine connection we did. I had never known how much I could love someone until my soul met his. </span><strong><br /></strong><br />Love is not something that we plan on, it is not something tangle that can be sold at a store, or wrapped up in pretty paper and given to someone as a present. Love is something beyond the understanding of words. <br /><br />It was the look in his eyes, the energy radiating from his body, it is the very essence of who he is that captivated my heart. Being in love is easy, yet sustaining that love requires trust, attention, compassion, patience, vulnerability, and understanding. Each day we express our thoughts and our emotions in ways that allow us to grow and expand as human beings. <br /><br />Each day we talk about one day having the capability of going out every weekend together, eating a home cooked meal together, doing an art project together, being playful each day, or being able to call each other when we need each other. For myself and Yohan, because our countries are not "great friends", we are at the mercy of a system that not only is uncertain and takes time to accomplish, it also costs more than many people are able to afford.<br /><br />We did not choose this and certainly did not expect this, but there is nothing in this world that can stop us from fighting for our love. We are two men in love, but our countries are indifferent with each other. It is a tragedy and a blessing at the same time. <br /><br />Nuestro amor es grande and with this distance it hurts more each day when we can not be there for each other in the way we need. With distance, everything is that much harder. With distance, we are still living our separate lives and we are unable to truly unite the infinite love that we feel for each other.<br /><br />The harsh realities of Cuba and the amount of money people can make and save is challenging. I am lifting most of the financial weight for us to be together. For us both it is difficult to ask for help, but with the encouragement and love of our communities, we are asking from the deepest and most vulnerable parts of our hearts and souls to support LOVE. <br /><br />A Love that is as true and real as you and I. Your contribution and support will make one of our greatest dreams come true…the blessing to be with the person you love.<br /><br />                <strong>A</strong> <strong>message from my love, Yohan:<br /></strong><br />Esta causa es muy importante para nosotros porque es una experiencia incredible ver que muchas personas pueden entender nuestro sentimientos y la situaciones que estamos viviendo. Por favor si pueden ayudarnos para hacer nuestro sueno realidad y es algo increíble cuando tenemos el apoyo y la confianza de tantas personas. Tal vez alguien puedo haber vivido algo igual y si no han vivido sé que pueden entender y sentir lo difícil que es vivir lejos de la persona que amamos. Estamos dando gracias porque su ayuda va hacer tan importante para hacer nuestro sueños realidad. Qué viva el AMOR!<br /><br /><strong>What the money will support:</strong><br /><br />Applications for K-1 Visa and post visa applications for Green Card, and additional application expenses.<br /><br />Flight Costs<br /><br />Doctors visit in Guyana, vaccinations, and passport renewal<br /><br />Hotel &amp; food cost when in Guyana for 1-3 weeks for K-1 Visa interview<br /><br />Help with rent for first 3-5 months (because Yohan will not be able to work until he has a workers permit)<br /><br />Love, <br /><br />Javi, Yohan &amp; Laura <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/37881660_1553231961539223_r.jpeg" alt="37881660_1553231961539223_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Love Without Borders ~ Amor sin Fronteras

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/24039674_1545667203477373_r.jpeg" alt="24039674_1545667203477373_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Vieques, Puerto Rico and caused wide-spread damage and destruction, leaving its residents without water, electricity or communication abilities. ViequesLove was formed on the night of the Hurricane with the intent to provide support in whatever way possible to help the island to recover and to have a more sustainable future.  Our first priority was to communicate with people on the island by sending satellite phones in by a private plane. This communication led to the stark realization that help was not coming fast enough. ViequesLove would need to step into the role of providing immediate relief until federal aid arrived. Our team first tackled the job of getting a private plane to directly land on Vieques full of supplies and satellite phones to establish communication on and off the island. We formed a team working round the clock in the states and connected to our friends on the island who were doing the same and became our team on the island. But it was you, our donors, who enabled us to get help to the island right away and avert catastrophe.<br /><br />Won’t you unite with us as we tackle the next phase of work? It will be slower and less dramatic, but essential to the long-term health of this little Caribbean island. In addition, building a 21st century infrastructure will produce a showcase for communities everywhere that are interested in energy independence, ecological preservation, adventure tourism, sustainable economic development, networked education, and a synergistic health-care delivery system. ViequesLove is committed to these ends. Please join us by donating now! Let us put your donation to work for our future.<br /><br /><strong>Please let us put your donation to work for Vieques. Donate here through gofundme or send check to: </strong><br /><strong>ViequesLove, po box 1108, Vieques, PR 00765.</strong><br /><br /><strong>ViequesLove is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. EIN #82-4435322</strong> <strong>As of 11/1/18, ViequesLove began managing money from this GoFundMe directly as a 501(c)(3).  We'll be forever grateful to our former fiscal sponsor COREFI for helping us administer funds from this campaign before that date.</strong><br /><br />Here is a sampling of our accomplishments to date:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Restored Hope.<br />ViequesLove landed a plane directly on Vieques five days after Hurricane Maria had passed, bringing satellite phones, cash and supplies. The up-link phones allowed residents to know that they were not forgotten, to call loved ones, and enabled first responders to communicate with each other and the outside world. Until that time, Vieques had been completely cut off from all forms of communication, both internally and externally. <br /><br />Provided a Way. <br />Became the connecting link to citizens, press, medical assistance, elected officials, government agencies and groups wanting to help. The communication provided by the satellite phones instantly made ViequesLove the crucial link to Vieques when no other form of communication was possible enabling the long distance “handshake’ with those hands extended to help and the hands on Vieques ready to receive, coordinate and distribute. This net of donors across the states provided the backbone of our logistical challenge—while the sat phones and team on-island were the arms and legs making coordinating and receiving possible. ViequesLove also became a partner to agencies responsible for island infrastructure and could immediately acquire emergency pumps, parts, fuel and technicians for repairs to avoid potential disasters and health hazards. ViequesLove provided logistical and financial support to move over a million dollars of in -kind donations to the island and continues to be a friend to many of organizations assisting Vieques. <br /><br />Saved lives. <br />Stocked the hospital with medicine and supplies by landing a plane nine days after the storm. Evacuated 33 people, flew dialysis and cancer patients to Puerto Rico for treatment, provided nebulizers and insulin bags for asthmatics and diabetics and purchased oxygen machines and other medical equipment for those in need. Distributed approximately 190 generators to schools, community organizations and families with critical needs and medical equipment requiring power. Seventy-five of these were donated solar generators. <br /><br />Helped Prevent Disaster. <br />Provided cash in what had instantly become – with no electricity -- an “all cash” economy. ViequesLove paid for fuel for police and emergency vehicles, for generators at the hospital, bought critical lifesaving medicine and ice for diabetics and the elderly center. Partnered with Generation Gives to provide satellite internet to restore ATM and food stamp service. <br /><br />Provided critical needs. <br />ViequesLove was able to provide critical needs that were not being sent by other organizations effectively while not overlapping purchases. Mattresses, wheelchairs, vein finders, cisterns, nebulizers, insulin bags, mosquito nets, oxygen machines, solar radios, solar panels and generators are just a few of the items provided. <br />Established Collaborative preparedness programs. <br />ViequesLove has established a new net of communication programs to ensure the connection for the future. Along with a satellite phone network, ViequesLove has partnered with other organizations to create a HAM radio network allowing communication off-island as well as a web of VHF radios to connect agencies, individuals and fishermen (first able to respond) strategically over the island. <br /><br />Works for a better tomorrow. <br />ViequesLove has been financially supporting many projects rebuilding or reinvigorating the economy. We have repaired the lower section of the Esperanza Sugarcane pier, partnered with Navarro Construction in repairing the fishermen’s pier and the Malecon, and financed the cleanup of many sites on the island including SunBay, Esperanza beach and La Parque de Ceiba. A substantial donation was made to Vieques en Rescate to add a cancer treatment center and to the Montessori school cafeteria rebuild. We support the rebuild and repair of damaged homes through HopeBuilders by providing monthly financial support for two full time workers. To date approximately 60 homes have been repaired. <br /><br />See full list here:<br />MMEDIATELY POST HURRICANE:<br />• Because there was no electric power, the economy became “all cash” with most residents caught with little available currency. ViequesLove provided immediate cash through private loan for medicine, gas, ice, food, toiletries, nebulizers, car batteries, and accommodations for critical cases. This assistance continued for the purchase of gas for emergency management vehicles, police vehicles, and portable generators. <br />• ViequesLove sent in the first airplane, five days after the storm, filled with relief supplies, satellite phones, cash, and a team member to assist the ground team. The plane then evacuated a brain cancer patient on its return flight who needed to continue treatment in the States. <br />• Purchased and distributed satellite phones to enable and coordinate emergency communications on-island, with US and Puerto Rican governmental agencies, with other private relief agencies, and the rest of the world. <br />• Set up free call centers for residents on Vieques to make initial contact with loved ones elsewhere, and then periodically to update their recovery status. <br />• Paid certification training costs for new Emergency Management Personnel. <br />• Paid for cell phones and monthly cellular plans for Emergency Management and police to establish communication among themselves and with each other.<br />• Received a donation of the contents of a C130 military plane loaded with survival gear and hired a military disaster relief expert to help pack and accompany the plane to facilitate distribution on the ground. <br />• Purchased solar powered lighting for the Ferry Pier, Cayo, and FWS lighthouse to ensure the safety of nearby vessels traveling at night. <br />• Financially supported the non-profit “Generation Gives” which provided satellite WI-FI connections, allowing critical food stamp and ATM systems to restart, reducing cash needs.<br /><br />COMMUNICATION:<br />• Working through numerous contacts in the media, gained important coverage for Vieques and established a case for our own critical needs even in the midst of the parallel disaster in the rest of Puerto Rico at large, which was overwhelming any attention that otherwise might have been directed to us.<br />• Became the intentional information hub through which other organizations could provide immediate help.<br />• Accepted and directed in-kind donations of all kinds of supplies for distribution through whatever existent organization was best positioned to be effective. <br />• Provided all the on-boarding agencies (FEMA, Tesla, Red Cross, National Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and others) as they arrived and throughout their stay with no-cost translation services, local knowledge, and logistics. <br />• Traveled to Washington D.C to meet with elected officials and advocate for both accelerated and long-term electric power solutions. <br />• Initiated and funded a HAM Radio program in collaboration with Radio Vieques, William Patterson University, and KP4 operator Alberic Medina as a critical hedge against any future communications black-out.<br />• Funded a VHF Radio Program initiated by Que Fe Transforma. <br />• Pre-purchased minutes of use for four satellite phones in preparation for the 2018 hurricane season, just in case.<br /><br />WATER:<br />• Donation to Water Rescue Foundation for atmospheric water machine parts.<br />• Distributed hundreds of water filters donated by other non-profits. <br />• Supplied water to community groups for distribution across the island.<br />• Purchased pumps for the sewage treatment plant and paid for parts to keep those pumps operating.<br /><br />FOOD:<br />• Wired $20,000 to the Food Bank of Puerto Rico enabling them to deliver shipments of food by ferry to clients on Vieques.<br />• Purchased numerous truckloads of rice, beans, meat, fruit, juice, and soup from Puerto Rican distributor and delivered to churches, Boys and Girls Club, Corefi, the Municipal Government, and Department of Familia to distribute to residents.<br />• Transported 40 pallets of MREs to Vieques and collaborated with Corefi for distribution. <br />• Supported El Blok, Bili, Fe Que Transforma, Boys and Girls Club, Corefi and Alianza Cristiana with food and hot meal delivery programs.<br /><br />MEDICAL:<br />• Fully stocked the hospital with medicine. <br />• Evacuated 33 medically fragile, elderly, and asthmatic to mainland PR and the US.<br />• Paid for flights for dialysis patients for necessary treatment.<br />• Supplied health and hygiene products to the elderly and infirm.<br />• Purchased insulin coolers for diabetics.<br />• Provided promotion and logistical support for ongoing medical clinics.<br /><br />CRITICAL NEEDS AND SUPPLIES:<br /><br />• Paid for shipping and delivery of donated goods from Stateside to Vieques.<br />• Supplied numerous solar lights, tarps, tents, solar radios, and water filters.<br />• Purchased, shipped and delivered critical needs such as nebulizers, solar radios, <br />• wheelchairs, mosquito netting, extension cords, chainsaws, tools, baby items, insulin bags and more.<br />• Purchased wheelchairs, wheelchair batteries, oxygen machine, veinfinders and other essential medical equipment destroyed in the storm.<br />• Purchased a second shipment of medicine to stock the hospital.<br />• Purchased and delivered new mattresses to replace water damaged and moldy mattresses; acquired 95 additional donated mattresses.<br />• Donated generators, food and toiletries to set up a temporary refuge at Simmons School.<br />• Purchased pump for water company.<br />• Purchased drill for electric company.<br />• Supplied ladders and pressure washers to HopeBuilders.<br /><br />POWER:<br />• Supplied 73 solar generators to sick and elderly patients requiring life-support medical machinery.<br />• Purchased 64 additional gas generators for schools, community organizations, families with medical needs, and the hospital.<br />• Repaired electric and rebuilt meter at the house of the final resident to receive power more than 6 months after the storm.<br />• Paid for parts, oil, and maintenance for generators.<br />• Purchased parts to connect large island generators to gas supply. <br />• Purchased building supplies for homes in dire need, and collaborated with volunteers to help those who could not manage their own repairs.<br />• Paid for generator technicians to keep essential generators running.<br /><br />EDUCATION:<br />• Screened windows and doors of schools against mosquito swarms.<br />• Supplied cisterns to the high school.<br />• Bought gas for school generator.<br />• Emergency cleaning supplies and health kits to schools.<br />• Paid for exterminating pest infestation in schools.<br />• Purchased equipment to supply internet in schools to assist teachers and administrators.<br />• Purchased lights for the outdoor sports court for high school.<br /><br />SUPPORT TO OTHER NGOS:<br />• Supported the Montessori school rebuild of the cafeteria.<br />• Supported Vieques en Rescate cancer treatment facility.<br />• Purchased computers for the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust.<br /><br />REBUILDING/REVITALIZING:<br />• Cleaned SunBay of storm debris. <br />• Repaired lower dock of Esperanza Sugarcane Pier. <br />• Collaborated on a campaign to restart tourism with Lewis Communications. <br />• Sponsorship to the annual Cultural Festival at Fortin Conde Mirasol. <br />• Paid for Finca Consciencia to attend Earthship workshop in Puerto Rico. <br />• Assisted in the rebuild of the Esperanza Fishermen’s pier. <br />• Funded repair of Esperanza’s Malecon and organized volunteer group painters. <br />• Ongoing monthly support to HopeBuilders for two full-time workers to repair damaged homes.<br /><br />ONGOING AND FUTURE INITIATIVES:<br />• The removal of 20,000 tires from Vieques to a receiving facility in Puerto Rico.<br />• Monthly financial support to HopeBuilders<br />• Collaboration with agencies, other non profits and individuals to establish an island wide communication net<br />• School, student and educator pride campaigns<br />• Internet provided to schools while no other company is viable<br />• Establishing internet libraries at schools<br /><br />As ViequesLove goes into the new year, there are many things in discussion such as providing grantwriting help to our not-for-profits to take advantage of post-Maria available grants, working with national architectural schools for design ideas for sustainability, supporting revitalization of the tourist economy though cultural and eco tourism campaigns, and continued collaboration with all organization working for Vieques. Stay tuned for more! <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/24039674_154566441880102_r.jpeg" alt="24039674_154566441880102_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br /><br /><br /></strong>

ViequesLove

**PLEASE READ THE UPDATES**<br /><br />Two men were killed today because they stood up for two Muslim women who were being harassed on Tri-Met by a racist. Another was injured.  <br /><br />They are heroes, yet their families are not only going to be faced with the pain of losing people they love, but with financial hardships from their passings.<br /><br />I've started this GoFundMe to help them with costs as a result of their deaths and injuries.  All donations will go to the victim's families.  Hopefully the goal is just a starting point.  They will certainly need more than this. And no amount of money will ever lessen their heartbreak.<br /><br />CREDENTIALS<br />I have been getting more messages than I can keep up with asking who I am and why they should trust me.  I'm working a 12 hour shift today at work so it's more difficult than normal.  However, I thought I would update this with some information:<br /><br />1) I started this because I was looking around for somewhere to donate to the families of these heroic victims and couldn't find anywhere.  I lamented this online and then thought, well, why shouldn't I just do it.  So I did.  <br />2) I am not a member of the families or a close friend. I learned I have a friend who is related to Ricky Best, but only after I started this.  I have reached out to the families, but they are understandably concerned with more important things right now and most likely grieving for their terrible losses.  I am patiently awaiting someone from the families to help direct the donations where they belong.<br />3) GoFundMe gives 30 days to indicate where the donations will go.  While I didn't know exactly where they would go when I began this, I figured I would have time to figure it out.  I will be transparent about where all the money goes and it will only go to the families of the victims.  I just wanted to help and didn't know if it would be as successful as it has.<br />4) I am a restaurant owner in town who also occasionally writes for Willamette Week.  You can find me on Twitter or Facebook as Nick Zukin or "extramsg".  Others in the restaurant industry can vouch for my credibility as can people in the food press. <br />5) I have been talking with people at both GoFundMe and the Portland Mayor's Office in order to make sure that the process of distributing the funds is fully transparent and verified.<br />6) I am impressed and proud of our city's generosity.  These guys stood up for what was right and paid the ultimate price.  I'm glad we are helping their families as a community.

Tri Met Heroes

My name is Asad Khan and I am the President of the Board for the 630 N Franklin Building where Zoa Stigler, our security officer was viciously attacked by a thug as she was doing her job by protecting our building early Sunday morning which happened to be MOTHER's DAY. He fractured her right eye socket and also the bridge of her nose. <br /><br />She was initially trying to help this thug by checking up on him to make sure he was doing alright as he was lying on the ground by the building. He proceeded to vomit by the building which prompted Zoa to request that he and his 3 friends move away as she needs to clean it up. As you can see in the video links below that this provoked the THUG to throw a water bottle at her and viciously punch her in the face before turning around and walking away. His 3 friends didn't do anything and turned around and walked away from the scene also.<br /><br />Zoa is so dedicated and hard working that in spite of being in pain and disoriented, she had the mind set of cleaning up the mess caused by this thug before being taken to the hospital.... AMAZING!!<br /><br />This story has been covered by every local Chicago news channel  as of yesterday and we are hoping to find this thug so that he can face the consequences. Some of the links to the video are below:<br /><br /><a href="http://wgntv.com/2017/05/14/attack-on-security-guard-caught-on-video/" target="_blank"><a href="http://wgntv.com/2017/05/14/attack-on-security-guard-caught-on-video/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://wgntv.com/2017/05/14/attack-on-security-guard-caught-on-video/</a></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/river-north-security-guard-punched-in-brutal-attack-sunday-morning-422218563.html" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/river-north-security-guard-punched-in-brutal-attack-sunday-morning-422218563.html" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/river-north-security-guard-punched-in-brutal-attack-sunday-morning-422218563.html</a></a><br /><br /><a href="http://abc7chicago.com/news/river-north-condo-security-guard-attacked;-police-search-for-man-in-video/1993645/" target="_blank"><a href="http://abc7chicago.com/news/river-north-condo-security-guard-attacked;-police-search-for-man-in-video/1993645/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://abc7chicago.com/news/river-north-condo-security-guard-attacked;-police-search-for-man-in-video/1993645/</a></a><br /><br /><a href="http://wgntv.com/2017/05/14/attack-on-security-guard-caught-on-video/" target="_blank"><a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/05/15/security-guard-sucker-punched-face-caught-on-video/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/05/15/security-guard-sucker-punched-face-caught-on-video/</a></a><br /><br />Zoa was unable to spend Mother's day with her 2 beautiful daughters, Sierra and Sheila as she is a Single mother who works part time to make ends meet and is going to school part time to finish her Business Finance degree.<br /><br />She may require surgery on her eye to fix the damage and may have to take time off work and school for recovery. Let's all help the strong willed, amazing, hard working and kind ZOA by showing our love by supporting her financially!

Let's all help for Zoa's recovery

On Wednesday night (1/28/2015), a four-alarm fire at Mission and 22nd St in San Francisco destroyed a number of residential units. At least 40 residents, many of whom were long-time Mission families, have been displaced. Imagine losing your home and all of your possessions in a fire.<br /><br />I rode by on my bike tonight right as the fire broke out and witnessed families who had just lost their homes mourning on the street, as hoards of passersby unremorsefully filmed the scene on their phones.<br /><br />I've started this fund to prove that, as a community, we care about our long-time residents. Let's come together a support them in this time of need.<br /><br />The county, in conjunction with the Salvation Army, has found temporary places for most of the displaced to stay, but keep in mind that most of these folks have lost everything.<br /><br />I met with most of the affected residents this week, heard their stories, and took down their private contact information. The vast majority of them are low-income, latino families who had been in their apartments for 20+ years. They are incredibly good people -- and they have been so resilient throughout all of this. They are currently moving around from place to place, but I've been informed that the city -- particularly Benjamin Aymes, the city's Disaster Relief Manager -- is working as hard as it can to relocate them.<br /><br />Here's a few of their stories, for anyone interested:<br /><br /><a href="http://priceonomics.com/the-faces-of-san-franciscos-mission-fire-part-2/"><a href="http://priceonomics.com/the-faces-of-san-franciscos-mission-fire-part-2/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://priceonomics.com/the-faces-of-san-franciscos-mission-fire-part-2/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://priceonomics.com/the-faces-of-san-franciscos-mission-fire/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://priceonomics.com/the-faces-of-san-franciscos-mission-fire/</a></a><br /><br />For all those who wish to donate items *other than money* (clothes, food, etc.), please get in touch with the Salvation Army, who has been collecting stuff for the past two weeks:<br /><br />Mission Corps Community Center (Salvation Army) <br />1500 Valencia Street <br />San Francisco, CA 94110 <br />(415) [phone redacted] <br /><br />In particular, the victims told me they needed: women's hygiene products (pads, tampons, etc), water, nonperishable food,new socks,new underwear, and clothing. There is not a major need for children's items at this time. <br /><br />And a note on where this money will be going: <br /><br />I'm partnering with MEDA (Mission Economic Development Agency) to distribute these funds in the form of cash. They are a local nonprofit with many additional resources to offer families, and I'm excited to work with them. MEDA will NOT be charging any kind of administrative fee; aside from the 7.9% taken by GoFundMe and WePay, all of these proceeds will get into the families' hands. <br /><br />This has been a difficult task so far (keep in mind I'm just a mere journalist who wanted to help solve a problem -- I'm not a social worker, or nonprofit maestro). But, I've been receiving a lot of good support, and weeding out malicious people. This money will get into the hands of those who need it. I will make sure of that. <br /><br />Thanks again for your support. Any questions, please email me: [email redacted]<br /><br />Let's band together to prove that we can support our long-time residents in the face of crisis.

Mission and 22nd Street, SF fire

Hi Everyone,<br><br>Thanks for visiting this page and supporting our dear friend Marcie as she recovers.<br><br>Marcie was hit by a car on the morning of November 11th while she was on her bike headed to work. She was taken to the Intensive Care Unit of Oakland's Highland Hospital. Marcie's got a pretty extensive list of injuries; basically all of the bones in her face are broken, she has lacerations on her lips and eyes and broken/chipped front teeth; she fractured her breast bone, some ribs, a hole in her right lung and a small puncture in the left lung. She's fractured her right shoulder wing, her lower lumbar spine (no cord damage), and pelvis fractures in the front and rear. She has and will continue to undergo a number of surgeries to pin, set, and screw these various things back into the state in which they belong.<br><br><br>As Marcie heads down the long road to recovery she will need lots of support: emotional, physical, and (why you're here) financial. Marcie could really use our help so that she can "keep the lights on" of her life that's still moving around her as she's held up in the hospital. Things like: rent, student loans, food, clothing, all of the various things one needs. Life in the bay area isn't cheap and Marcie's lifestyle is pretty simple, but a big chunk of this will go to getting her professional in-home care, at least for the first month or so.  Just want to point out that this has nothing to do with hospital bills which are a far, far bigger beast. Please please please help out where you can and check out the awesome reward levels. Marcie will be providing updates on this page but wanted to leave you all with this: <br><br>(Marcie's voice is even loopier than before and it almost sounds like she has a slow, southern, drawl now. Read in your best "southern Marcie" impression)<br><br>"I have been incredibly moved by the amount of people who have come to my aid. Since my return from the Peace Corps in Senegal, I've had a hard time adjusting to our form of social connection. This experience has proven the bonds of community are deep and, though sometimes they ebb, the flow is actually an omnipresent one. <br>People have been taking time off work or working remotely to be by my side. They have traveled long distances to see me for only short periods before I get too tired. Many have sent care packages, food  and flowers. I've received phone calls, emails, Facebook messages and carrier pigeons. <br>I cannot tell you all how thankful I am and I hate to ask for more, but the realities of the next handful of months are starting to hit me, as each day I realize recovery is going to take quite a while. While I can wiggle my toes like you wouldn't believe, I still cannot move my legs. Thankful is not a big enough word for the amount of love and gratitude I feel, but it's the one we've got so thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Marcie on the Mend 