Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>I'm Daniel. I'm 32 and have been working concrete since I moved out of my mom's house at 19. Born and raised north of Boston and when I told my mom I was moving out, shortly after she one upped me and moved across the country to Tucson. Established herself as a successful fine artist after what now has been over ten years, often making her own pigments and moving into stained glass art. We have not lived in the same state or even remotely close since 2009. But now she is going thru a major back surgery and we don't have any family outside my brother and I. I am relocating to Tucson to help with bills and every day groceries and things. But this economy is tough. And I will leave everything I've worked for behind if I need to in order to help. And it looks like Im going to, which is fine. I will recover, but this is scary. For all involved. I've never asked for help and never needed it. But this is bigger than me. If you've ever had the chance to meet my mother, than you know that she is intelligent, caring, and the most important person to the two young men lucky enough to be able to say they are her children.
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Life happens

<div>I'm Ellen Kushner, a writer, broadcaster, and passionate admirer of the compassionate creative force that is Greta Ward.
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<div>This is a woman who works every hour of the year, determined to give her life to making beauty in every way she can. Yet she is never too busy to help a friend. She doesn't sleep much. In the past few years she's somehow figured out how to become a stained glass artist, done portraits of friends' dogs, had a major show on Desert Wildlife, and, well, stuff like that - all while dealing with with a diagnosis of severe diabetes, increasing hearing loss, a beloved son's major health crisis, ongoing pain from longterm rheumatoid arthritis, and, of course, the threat and isolation of Covid. 
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<div>Greta's response to all this? "My solution to pain is usually to distract myself with art/work. Which obviously isn’t an option right now."
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<div>Why not?
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<div>Here's Greta's own <a href="https://www.facebook.com/greta.ward1/posts/pfbid02sXLHLBgBhZajwCembmgELkn75F3xekmXWwFGCPnawqQDtp62pJvHsZjEdCcD5GVPl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook report</a>  of what happened the night of September 1:
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<div>"Today was an eventful day. And not really in that good way. Woke up at 5am (when it's still dark) and noticed a flashing blue light in the studio. Went downstairs to figure out what it was (I had left the soldering iron plugged in, like a dope.) Being half asleep, and unsure what the light was, I didn't turn lights on, thinking that would make it easier to pinpoint the blue light source. And because I didn't turn the lights on, I missed the bottom step, which sent me falling into a milk crate of stained glass sheets which were in the crate, on end. I did a really good job of major lacerations on my right arm. Sliced it open in a few spots, really deeply in two. Went to sink to wash it off, and realized I absolutely needed to go to the ER. 
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<div>I called [boyfriend] Gene, but he didn't answer that early, and being rather not-clearly thinking, I didn't leave a message. So, i wrapped my arm best i could and drove myself (in my standard car) to ER. They triaged me quickly - which happens I guess when you show up bleeding on their floor. Both my studio and my car looked like a crime scene. Eventually got in touch with Gene and he came and spent the next 8 hours with me while they x-rayed arm to make sure there was no glass in there (there wasn't - thank god). and my low back, which is  pretty sore, but i didn't break anything. Though there's some seriously herniated discage happening down there. They also poked me 7 times (3 different medical professionals) before they managed to get an IV in - which was never needed!
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<div>It took a good hour and a half to 2 hours, I think, for them to suture the lacerations. They were quite deep, though amazingly, no tendons effected - i.e., I can still move my fingers! Probably 20-something stitches, so my arm looks a bit Frankenstein-ish at the moment. But its wrapped until tomorrow.
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<div>There are no photos of the actual lacerations because honestly, no one needs to see that. Let's just say they were deep, gaping wounds and I could see bits of my insides that I would really rather not be able to see.
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<div>Gene was amazing. Helping me through all of it, and then helping to move glass in my studio (out of the danger zone), and cleaning up the blood off the floor. Even going and getting batteries for the motion detection light on the stairs. A very long day for both of us. I am so beyond grateful for his help and support, and hopefully, his hand isn't too sore from me squeezing the hell out of it while they were injecting lidocaine and stitching me up (which involved a bit of pushing things back inside where they belong. This man was an absolute rock today, though I KNOW it was super hard to see the actual damage when they unwrapped the bandage from my arm, before doing the stitches.
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<div>I have now received my first major stained glass injury. Art is dangerous, people! And I am quite sure I'm gonna have some bitchin scars on my right forearm,  but somehow I managed to not tear through the tattoo. This really could have been SO much worse. I could easily have severed tendons, or it could have been my head instead of my arm. So as bad as this is, I am really grateful it was not far, far worse.
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<div>Also, I rescheduled my rheumatology appointment that was supposed to be tomorrow. I think that's a whole lot of nope right now."
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<div>What can I tell you? Greta is brilliant in a crisis.
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<div>But now what happened is beginning to sink in. She's in pain from the cuts, she doesn't know what happens next (PT?) or how much it's going to cost her. The aftershock of realizing that could of been her head, or a major artery, is pretty traumatic.
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<div>And she can't work for awhile. We keep telling her that, anyway. She argues that she can't pay her bills if she doesn't work!
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<div>Let's fix that for her, shall we?
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<div>I set up an arbitrary goal of $5,000. More would be great. Less would be great, too. I've learned that, with trauma GoFundMe's, so much of the healing comes from the number of friends who step forward, just as much as the amount raised--maybe even more.
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<div>Thank you for reading through this. And thanks for any amount you can throw at this miracle of a human.
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Let's Give Wounded Greta a Rest!

John's New Challenger: Cancer

I need help. Simon has had to undergo three surgeries due to a twisted stomach. The  vet  bills have already reached 25k and I just learned he has to have a 4th procedure due to his stomach not healing correctly. He's fighting so hard but I'm running out of funds to help him keep going.

Simon Surgery

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<p>So I thought my journey in dealing with medical issues was mostly over. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The back issues I had as of late turned out to be due to a cancer growth that is still being investigated. As I haven't had a chance to recover fully from dealing with Lupus physically, mentally, and financially I was convinced by Joe to start a new campaign in order to help me get by this next month of treatment in hopes that it allows me to move enough to go back to work. I appreciated all the help and support in the past and I hope you can continue to help me by passing the word out and chipping in when possible. The new campaign is located at: <a href="f/johns-new-challenger-cancer"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/johns-new-challenger-cancer" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.gofundme.com/f/johns-new-challenger-cancer</a></a> <br /><br />Thank You!<br />John
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<p>——-———————<br />Updated 3/27/19<br />—————————-<br /><br />Hello again. <br /><br />I wanted to give you all another update. This past year has easily been the hardest of my life. I wouldn’t have been able to get through it without all the support that I have received from people. People who have been generous with their words, thoughts, prayers, funds, and time. Thank you, Mamá, for getting me to the hospital. You literally saved me from death’s door. <br /><br />And now that scene is over a year old, and I’m happy still be around. With everyone's help and support, I was able to get back up at the 9 count. From being barely able to get out of bed to now being able to take my furry buddy on 30 minute daily walks. It has been a slow journey where I had to take it day by day. <br /><br />Great news: I am no longer taking the majority of medications. But my body is not completely well and I still have more recovering to do. Although I still struggle just getting around, it pales in comparison to the pain and effort of a year ago. That’s my health report. <br /><br />With poor health comes hard to manage finances. And being the main breadwinner of the family while not being able to work and later struggling to find full-time work didn't help the situation. Thanks to you all here for taking a part of my burden. We raised over $5,000 over the course of a year and every dollar counted towards keeping me from losing my health, house, car, and sanity. Which all were necessary to have in order to reach my next milestone.<br /><br />So speaking about another milestone I have finally landed some work. Contract application development work with the City. This will certainly help me back to financial stability, in time. The job isn't hard on me. This appears to be the perfect role for me to get back up to speed. I have job inquiries in progress, but those are just a bonus and if they come to fruition things will only get better.<br /><br />So I am bringing this GoFundMe to a close. I will continue to put updates on how my health is going over the next few months. I really do appreciate what everyone has done for me. All the support in every form has helped me get this far. You have my eternal gratitude. Thank you.<br /><br /><br />————————<br />First Post<br />————————<br /><br />Hello Everyone,<br /><br /><br />First thing, we want to say thank you for looking at our GoFundMe campaign for John. John, also known as Arujei, is an active member in the anime community and in some gaming circles. Besides that, he a wonderful human being. He’s friendly, loves his mom, his dogs, and would do whatever he could to help out his friends. With more people like him in the world, this would be a better world. <br /><br /><br />So number 1, we’re glad he’s still with us. We almost lost him at the beginning of this year. What started out as the flu took a terrible turn for the worse in January. What he is fighting now is commonly known as Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)). <br /><br /><br /><br />Since January, he’s spent 16 days hospitalized due to SLE flares and/or complications. Along with that, he’s had to go the ER for twice for other SLE related complications. All the doctors are fairly certain that SLE. It’s so weird that even after all of this there would be any doubt, but then again we’re not doctors and the human body is wonderful, and mysterious thing. As strong as it is, it’s so fragile too. <br /><br /><br />The good news is John is getting better. But it’s a slow and expensive process. Because SLE attacks nearly all parts of your body, he has to see 5 different specialist besides his Primary Care Provider. We’re hoping for some good news/treatment from a specialist later in April.  We made the appointment in January, and honestly, there were times in February where he almost didn’t make it. If it wasn’t for his Mama, pushing for him to seek medical help, this would be a sadder campaign we’d be trying to fund. God bless our Mamas. <br /><br /><br />Many of our friends and family have been asking how they can help. He’s been getting quite a bit of emotional and daily support from everyone. Thank you for that. John has also shown us that he’s a fighter. He’s doing whatever is within his means to get better. He’s been doing research, research, and more research. He’s picked up valuable information and added certain foods to his diet which have yielded positive results. <br /><br /><br />But one stressor that he needs needs assistance in alleviating is that of the financial burden this disease is causing. In January he had insurance through the company he worked at. Since being laid off, he now has medi-cal. Needless to say, his finances have suffered greatly. <br /><br /><br />Just recovering takes a lot of his strength. He’s not the ball of energy he used to be. He’s  been told he needs to do chemotherapy. As weak and debilitated as chemotherapy leaves you, it’s going to make it even harder to actually hold or find a job. He’s currently looking for a part time position that he can do remotely just to stay afloat. <br /><br /><br /><br />As you can imagine, all the medical expenses and regular living expenses are pretty much maxing out his credit cards and draining his saving quickly. That’s why we’ve put this page up. To help John get past this episode of life. <br /><br /><br />How will the funds be used? All funds donated to will first be used to pay medical expenses (co-pays and whatever isn’t covered), and then living expenses. Anything extra will be saved in case he has another flare/attack. <br /><br /><br />We give you all a huge heartfelt “<strong>thank you</strong>” in advance for any kindness you bless John with. It is all greatly appreciated. <br /><br /><br />Every share matters. Please share and help spread the word!
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Let's help John fight against Lupus

We have been trying to find our missing Mother, Marie Ellen Brodine, for almost a decade. The week before Mother’s Day this year, we finally got some answers. Thanks to forensics, her remains were found in the Arizona desert, near the campsite where she was last seen. Now we need your help to relocate her remains to a Forensic Anthropology Department, where her legacy will live on by helping to teach students how to identify the deceased and return them to their family members.<br /><br />Mom, who also went by “Marie RiverSun” or Marie Downs, was originally from Fruita, CO, though she later spent most of her years in AZ. She was vivacious, intelligent, and a talented artist and musician. She inspired us, instilling in us a love of books, art, and science. <br /><br />She faced tremendous challenges in life, and eventually succumbed to a vicious mental illness. After a brief period of treatment, she became homeless and she lost all contact with us, her three children, in 2007. She was last seen alive at age 63, in 2014. <br /><br />We have decided to donate Mom’s remains to a Forensic Anthropology Department to help other families locate missing loved ones. In the county where she died, there are forty unclaimed bodies found each year — and thousands more around the country. Many more are missing and never found. Most of them are mentally ill, homeless, and/or victims of human trafficking. Often, laws meant to protect patients’ rights and privacy prevent family members from getting these individuals the help they need. It is our hope that we can bring awareness to this issue and help more missing persons cases get investigated and solved.<br /><br /><strong>What We Need</strong><br />Mom did not have any assets or money and this little family is left to cover all related expenses. We are asking for a small donation from you to help cover travel and lodging expenses for us three children so that we may visit Mom’s final resting place and say goodbye. We are also in the process of coordinating transportation and donation of the remains across state lines, and we need your help to cover associated costs. Any amount, no matter how small, will make this difficult situation easier to bear.<br /><br />The estimated costs are broken down below:<br /><br />Travel costs for three people:  $2,000<br />Paperwork and transportation of remains: $2,000<br />Total: $4,000 <br /><br /><strong>If you have also lost a loved one to homelessness and/or mental illness, and have a story you would like us to share on this page, and elsewhere as we continue to write about our story and hers, please send it to us at [email redacted]. </strong><br /><br /><strong>Any donation above the amount requested will be used to establish a fund to help other families and individuals in similar situations.<br /><br />-- Persephany, Chris, and Maria<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20606590_1495559850.7062_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20606590_1495563903.41_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br />Pictures of Mom:<br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20606590_1495564666.4608_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20606590_1495564696.2798_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br />And finally, some wise words from our childhood:<br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/20606590_1495564601.6197_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></strong>

Memorial for Mom and the Missing

My name is Cristina. There are a few people in my life who have been there for me a times when I had no one and I probably wouldn't be alive if it were for them. My friend Jay is one of those people. He's been putting a smile on my face for years. He's been there to make me laugh when I was at my lowest. Now it's time for me to return the favor. Jay recently had a little accident which caused his last front tooth to be knocked out. He's in pain. And he's understandably distraught. Everyone deserves to not only be able to eat, but also to not be in the amount of pain he's in. Can you guys please help me get his teeth fixed?It's not vanity. It's a matter of basic needs. You'd be helping me return the favor to a really amazing, funny dude.

Everyone Deserves Teeth

I’m writing this for my friend Kenny Craig.<br /><br />Kenny has been quadriplegic since a car accident at the age of 18.  Until now his dad has been his primary caregiver and transporter.  Recently his dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and has just undergone a surgery to remove a portion of his lung.  This has left him unable to care for Kenny.<br /><br />Kenny and his family are in a terrible spot now.  They are not the type of people to ask for anything, which is why I am asking for them.  At this point they cannot  get Kenny in and out of their minivan without calling someone over to help.  They can't go on like this.<br /><br />Kenny is probably the most amazing and inspirational person I know.  Please help give him the ability to take a hand in his own care and to relieve some of the pressure on his family at their time of need.  This is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come.<br /><br />Thank you so much.<br />____________________________________________________________<br /><br />The longer story... if you are interested:<br /><br />Kenny was injured in a car accident at the age of 18 and is now a quadriplegic.  The thing about Kenny though… is he is always the most positive person in the room, making everyone smile or burst into laughter by combining his selfless manner with ridiculous humor.  He has battled against the odds since he was injured and he is able to do far more than was ever expected of him. <br /><br />Kenny was diagnosed with a C-3 spinal cord injury and was told he had a minimal chance of ever living off a ventilator.  That didn't detour him though. Through his positive attitude and with relentless drive he far surpassed the doctor's expectations.  He weaned himself off the ventilator and regained significant movement teaching himself how to do many things he was told he would never be able to do again.  Despite these extraordinary improvements, Kenny still requires 24 hour care.  <br /><br />You may know Kenny from his work on The Geek Squad podcast or from Twitch TV where he plays video games live spreading laughter and sharing his crazy sense of humor.  I met Kenny when we “interned” for The Heidi and Frank Show and The Toad Hop Network many moons ago. I became good friends with him and to this day it never ceases to amaze me how Kenny deals with the many obstacles and barriers in his day to day life while still remaining a kind and positive person. He is truly one of the most amazing people I have the honor of knowing. <br /><br />The thing is, Kenny needs help.  Kenny is not the type of person to ask for anything.  So I am asking for him.<br /><br />Currently and since his injury over 12 years ago he has relied on his father to load him in and out of his vehicle (without costly adaptations). This involves helping Kenny into the front seat of their minivan and then setting up heavy metal ramp and rolling his 250lb wheelchair up the ramp into the back of his minivan.  I have helped to load and unload Kenny’s chair this way and it’s pretty frightening.  It’s heavy and awkward and if you make one wrong move the 250lb chair might mow you down or fall off the ramp and break.<br /><br />Kenny’s parents are some of my most favorite people on this planet.  Must be why Kenny is so great…anyway, Kenny’s father is in his 70’s and it is tough on him to be Kenny’s sole provider of transportation… though he’d never say this himself.  I‘ve seen this man drive Kenny to and from his engagements and wait for him until 3am without complaint.<br /><br />Recently, Kenny’s father was diagnosed with Lung Cancer and has just undergone surgery to remove a portion of his lung.  This surgery also involved removing pieces of two of his ribs.  I’m not a doctor but I think this is going to have an impact on his ability to lift Kenny and to lift Kenny’s ramp and wheelchair, at least for a while.<br /><br />The fact of the matter is that Kenny would benefit greatly by being able to have the capability to take some of the burden of care off the shoulders of his father.  He also deserves to get to have some independence for the first time in his adult life.  He has so much to offer this world in the way of laughter and inspiration and he just needs a little help to get going.<br /><br />As long as I’ve known Kenny, I’ve wanted to help him to get his own equipped vehicle so that he would be able to increase his independence and so that he wouldn’t feel like he was burdening anyone.  I know that often times he has wanted to join his friends but has declined to give his dad a break.  Kenny and his parents are truly selfless and giving individuals.  I believe they deserve to be given something back, honestly more than just a van - but, it’s a good start.<br /><br />If Kenny has made you laugh, cry because you laughed so hard, or if this story has touched you - I ask that you consider making a donation.  Honestly anything helps.  If you cannot donate, then please share this so that we can reach as many people as possible.  Friends: Please text your other friends and family and ask them to check this out so that we might spread the word farther and finally have the chance to get Kenny this van that we have all talked about for so long. <br /><br />The goal is to reach 5000 people. Please be sure to change your settings when you share this on Facebook to share to the public and not just your friends!<br /><br />I know Kenny and his family will be eternally grateful and so will his friends, whose lives have truly been enriched by knowing him…and who can’t wait to spend more time with him!<br /> <br />____________________________________________________________<br /> <br /><br />In the hope that we can succeed in our journey to get a van for Kenny I have enlisted the help of his good friend Linda and his sister Erin.  They will help to monitor this page.<br /><br />We have set up an email account in hopes that if anyone knows of any additional resources for us to use to help Kenny become more independent (and to get a van) you will be able to reach us there.  That email address is<br /><a href="http://gmail.com/" target="_blank">[email redacted]</a><br /><br />Here is a little break down of where we expect the money we raise to go:<br /><br />50K to purchase a new van.  <br />30K to cover adaptations.<br />5K to cover driving classes, evaluations by doctors, etc. and transportation to these things.<br />15K to cover all fees and taxes related to this Go Fund Me.<br /><br />If you are intersted in reading more please check out this helpful link:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/home-travel/driving" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/home-travel/driving</a>

4 More Wheels for Kenny

Hello again!<br /><br />First, to make sure everyone is caught up: In August and September, I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital because I experienced "partial seizures," which is similar to a stroke. While I recovered from them, the unfortunate truth is that it will probably occur again at some point, but I digress... <br /><br />Today's concern is that we have just received nearly $7000 in ambulance fees that my insurance has determined they will not cover. We've already attempted to negotiate a lower amount with the ambulance company, but to no avail. So, once again, as much as I hate to, I turn to you for help.<br /><br />Anything that can be offered would be greatly appreciated, and a huge thank you in advance!<br /><br /><br />----------------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />Hi Everyone, It's Stephan<br /><br />It is with the heaviest of hearts that I post this update.<br /><br />On 2/17, my beautiful soulmate, Heather, had a seizure while we were attending a Doctor Who convention.<br /><br />After rushing her to the hospital, it was determined that the breast cancer we thought we had beaten has metastasized into her brain.<br /><br />None of us knows how much time Heather has left with us. But barring a miracle (which we are all praying for), it is the horrible truth that her time with us is limited.<br /><br />Before I ask you to help us again, I want to make something clear. Heather and I are not destitute, but we are by no means wealthy. Her treatment will be expensive, no doubt, but we can most likely handle it.<br /><br />The purpose of my appeal today is two-fold.<br /><br />1) Helping me give Heather the best days of her life. While are are going to be ok financially, we certainly don't have the kind of free capital to do much aside from getting her treated. If you know my wife, you know shes got a hell of a bucket list, and I would like to knock as many things as I can off that list.<br /><br />2) Giving people who want to do something, a meaningful way to contribute. When facing this grim reality, there isn't going to be much that any of you can do for us directly, but I know you all want to. Contributing to this fund would give you a clear and meaningful way to "help". Every single dollar contributed will go toward making sure we can make the most of the time we have with the love of my life, regardless of how long that might be.<br /><br />This is by far the most difficult thing I have ever had to write in my life. Please help me give my wife the future she deserves.<br /><br /><br />----------------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />Hello!<br /><br />First off, thank you for looking at our GoFundMe page.<br /><br />Our little family has recently received some bad news-Heather has been diagnosed with breast cancer. There are more tests to be done, but the doctors have identified malignant tissue in a breast lump and a lymph node, so she is definitely looking at 6 months of chemo, surgery, and radiation therapy. We expect the treatment to start within the next three months.<br /><br />Upon announcing this news, many of our friends and family have been asking how they can help. While it is too early to really know what kind of emotional/daily support we might need, we can say with certainty that, even with decent insurance, our finances are about to change significantly. <br /><br />Also, some of you also know that we have been saving our pennies for a down payment on a house (that we were hoping to buy early next year). Unfortunately, it looks like not only will our savings plan be put on hold, but the savings we have will have to be reallocated to keep us afloat while Heather is unable to work.<br /><br />Funds donated to us will first be used to pay medical bills, then living expenses/provide for our baby girl. Anything extra will go back toward refunding our home savings. <br /><br /> Any help that you can give will be greatly appreciated and a huge thank you in advance!

Seriina Covarrubias, Kevin Rowles, Michael Jimenez

Seriina Covarrubias, Kevin Rowles, Michael Jimenez

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