Hi everybody!<br />So as some of you have probably seen, I recently came out to the world as Non-binary. Specifically, I identify as genderfluid transmasculine nonbinary, which means that I am not a woman, and not a man, but feel closer to the masculine side of the gender spectrum (not that it's a straight line by any means). This also means that my gender identity fluctuates. My pronouns are they/them.<br /><br />I have been so incredibly blessed with a support system here in Texas, and within my close family around the country, and I can honestly say that I do not feel as alone anymore, now that I have come out.<br /><br />Coming out to myself has allowed me to recognize actions I can take in my life to feel more comfortable in the body I have, and in my gender expression moving through the world. One of these things, is top surgery. <br /><br />Top surgery is a procedure where a surgeon goes in and removes the breast tissue on the patient. <br />I have major dysphoria around my chest, and it is one of the biggest struggles and holds me back every day in my life. My biggest goal right now is to go forward with top surgery as soon as possible so I can continue to live my life as my authentic self more and more each day. This will bring me a great sense of peace and happiness. <br /><br />As some of you also know, I have degenerative disc disorder. This causes the discs in my spine to deteriorate at a faster rate than is "normal". It has left me with severe, debilitating pain for the last 4 years. I have taken a  lot of steps to alleviate this pain through physical therapy, cortisone injections, chiropractic therapy, massage therapy, Radio Frequency Ablation and have even discussed Artificial Disc Replacement and Fusion with several surgeons. At this point, I am doing basic maintenance to keep up with my health and alleviate pain, as well as pain management therapy. <br />It is my belief that getting top surgery will help alleviate some of the pain in my back by reducing the amount of weight that my spine has to hold and navigate with. <br /><br />If anyone can help me pay for some of the cost of this surgery, I would be infinitely appreciative and grateful. I want to do something in exchange for any help I get through this. <br />My idea is to draw digital portraits of anyone who donates that wants one. These portraits take time to make, so it may be awhile before I can complete all of them, but if you want one, and you donate, please let me know!

Help Max (Reeds) get top surgery

On September 6, our wonderful friend, Faye, was kidnapped by federal agents on her way to work. At this point, we believe based on reports from the General Defense Committee that she was arrested as part of a campaign by the FBI to arrest people who have previously been arrested on state charges, but had them dropped. Faye was previously arrested based on disingenuous "reporting" by bad-faith right-wing actors, who doxed her and misrepresented her as some kind of mastermind or "ringleader" of antifa. Anyone who knows Faye knows that this is categorically untrue and patently ridiculous; she is one of the sweetest, friendliest people you will ever meet, and is being unjustly targeted for vocally participating in Black Lives Matter protests.

We have set up this fund to collect money that will go directly to hiring the best legal representation we can find, to ensure that she has the best chance to come home and be with friends and family again as soon as possible. Any amount of money helps, and we appreciate anyone who can help save our friend from a horrific, bald-faced campaign by the federal government to deter legal, nonviolent protest. Thank you all so much.

For transparency, the campaign was created and the current edit of the description was written by Dan Malear, a friend of Faye's, and the campaign will be run by a team of Faye's close friends in Portland, Oregon.

Faye Eutin Legal Defense Fund

I feel like before I describe the situation, I should say a bit about who Tawni is, for those who may read this and don't already know her..<br />Tawni is one of those people who can talk to anyone, she's charming. She's a badass, a fighter, and a dork. A loving mom, partner, and strong community advocate. She's also open and vulnerable, honest about her flaws and the things she's working on. She is a best friend, an inspiration, a motivator, she's got the backs of people near and far. Life has been tough for Tawni at times, and she has pushed through so much to get to be the brilliant human she is today. She survived trauma, was a teen mom, lost her own mom as a young adult, and much more.<br /><br />About a month ago, after struggling for years with worsening chronic health problems, my best friend Tawni  received the heartbreaking news that she has a rare and life-threatening complication of chronic Epstein-Barr Virus. The disease is so rare that there is currently only one viable treatment option, which would involve months of chemotherapy followed by a stem cell replacement. Without this treatment, the prognosis is grim. Unfortunately, being on state health insurance, Tawni is having to fight through a medical system that doesn't want to help her. But she wants to fight and live, not only for herself, but for her daughter Brigit. Having lost her own mom to Lymphoma 3 years ago, Tawni doesn't want Brigit to experience another loss at such a young age. So we need to help Tawni to fight!<br /><br />Currently, Tawni's daily life consists of debilitating and drastic changes in blood pressure, muscular atrophy, extreme fatigue, severe nerve pain, hot and cold flashes, fevers, confusion, and terribly swollen lymph nodes that require frequent ultrasounds. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Tawni to work even part time, and so her work has graciously allowed her to take a leave of absence and still get her job back if she is able to return to work in a few months. She will use this time to focus on getting to and from her many doctor appointments, getting everything in order for SSI/Disability, fighting to get access to the life saving stem cell replacement therapy that she needs and deserves, and trying to be the best mom possible to Brigit as they move through this incredibly difficult time. <br />We as a community can make a huge difference for Tawni and Brigit right now. We can take some of the financial strain off of Tawni and her partner, allowing them to focus on what is important. We can help Tawni be able to advocate for the treatment she needs. We can give a family that has made a huge difference in so many peoples' lives the support they need. I set the goal for $5000, as that is about what their living expenses and bills are for a 3 month period of time, but I really think we can and should surpass that! Let's make this go viral and get Tawni enough to pay for the stem cell replacement!

Support for Tawni and Brigit

Kara  Christiansen

<div>Our mom, was recently diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 3 HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer that requires immediate and intensive treatment. She is ER/PR negative and HER2 positive, which means the cancer grows quickly and does not respond to hormone therapy, which means she will require extensive treatment.
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<div>She will be undergoing a double mastectomy on November 5th, followed by a four week healing period. After surgery she will begin twelve weeks of chemotherapy and then continue with Herceptin infusions for a full year to target the HER2 receptors. Radiation may also be necessary depending on how her body responds to treatment. She is receiving her care through Compass Oncology in Portland.
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<div>Because of the length and intensity of treatment, she is unable to work and is facing major financial strain while trying to focus on healing and recovery. If you know Kara, you know how much she cares for other people, and you also know what it means for her to be the one who needs help now.
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<div>Our mom has always been the foundation of our family. She raised both of us on her own and has spent her life showing up for others with compassion, strength, and patience. She worked tirelessly to make sure we were taken care of and supported, often sacrificing her own needs so we never went without. She helps people even when she has little herself and she treats everyone in her orbit with kindness and dignity.
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<div>She has carried our family through hardship, grief, and uncertainty with resilience and love. Now she is the one who needs support behind her while she navigates this long treatment process.
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<div>Donations will go toward her medical bills and treatment expenses, rent and living costs while she cannot work, chemotherapy and targeted HER2 medication, cold cap therapy, supportive and integrative care for recovery, transportation to and from appointments, and any emergency or unexpected needs that come up during treatment. We are hoping to raise 25,000 to help give her stability and peace of mind so she can focus fully on healing.
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<div>Our mom has carried so much on her own throughout her life and we want her to feel surrounded and supported during this time, rather than having to shoulder this alone. Your donations, shares, and encouragement mean more than we can say. Thank you for helping her face this with dignity, safety, and hope.
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<div>In hope and healing,
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<div>Helena and Emily
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Kara Christiansen

Kara Christiansen

Featured causes

Support Kara's Battle Against Breast Cancer

Help Max (Reeds) get top surgery

Faye Eutin Legal Defense Fund

Support for Tawni and Brigit

About me