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>Help Our Family After 5 Men Were Detained by ICE
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<div>What was supposed to be a peaceful Labor Day weekend camping trip with our families in Granite Falls, Washington, turned into a frightening night that changed five families overnight.
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<div>We went camping together to enjoy the long Labor Day weekend and make memories with our children. Our group included children ranging from just 1 year old to 14 years old, and one of the mothers is currently expecting a baby.
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<div>We never imagined our weekend would end with five men from our family being taken into ICE custody and five households suddenly losing the people who financially support them.
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<div>It Started With a “Garbage Warning”
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<div>Earlier, individuals who presented themselves to us as park rangers approached our campsite.
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<div>They claimed there was an issue with garbage and told us they were giving us a “warning.”
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<div>Because they presented the situation as a routine campsite issue, we felt comfortable cooperating with them.
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<div>They told us they needed identification from every adult in our group. We provided our IDs because we believed we were simply cooperating with park officials regarding the garbage warning.
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<div>They proceeded to take pictures of our identification and eventually left.
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<div>At that point, we believed the situation was over.
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<div>Around Midnight, They Came Back With ICE
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<div>Hours later, around midnight, our families were sleeping inside our tents when we were suddenly awakened by people shaking our tents and screaming at us to come outside.
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<div>Our children were sleeping beside us.
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<div>The people outside announced themselves as “police.”
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<div>Believing police officers were ordering us outside, we came out of our tents. Once we were outside, we realized they were ICE agents.
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<div>They were carrying firearms and shining flashlights directly into our eyes. We were extremely frightened, intimidated, and confused while trying to understand what was happening.
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<div>One of the individuals who had presented himself as a ranger earlier returned to the campsite with ICE. This time, he was carrying a large rifle and told us he was there as “backup” because there were a lot of us.
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<div>We had cooperated earlier because we were told the issue was garbage. Our IDs had been photographed during that interaction. Hours later, one of the same individuals was back at our campsite with ICE, armed with a large rifle and describing himself as “backup.”
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<div>Our Children Were Frightened Before We Could Even Understand What Was Happening
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<div>Our children ranged from 1 to 14 years old, and they were sleeping inside the tents when all of this began.
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<div>As ICE agents were yelling for the adults to come outside, they were also shouting at us not to let any of the children come out because they did not want the children involved.
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<div>But by then, the children were already awake and frightened.
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<div>They had been awakened by people shaking their tents and screaming outside. They could hear the yelling and feel the fear and confusion around them.
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<div>Even though the agents told us to keep the children inside, the children were already scared and asking what was happening.
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<div>They knew something was wrong.
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<div>They knew their fathers and family members were being called outside.
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<div>And when that night was over, five of those men did not come back into the tents.
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<div>Five men from our family were taken into ICE custody.
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<div>As parents, one of the hardest parts of this experience is knowing that our children were frightened before we even had the opportunity to understand what was happening ourselves.
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<div>Five Families Changed in One Night
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<div>The five men who were detained are the primary financial providers for their households.
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<div>Their families depend on their income for rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, children's necessities, and everyday living expenses.
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<div>Now that income is suddenly gone.
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<div>The women have been left trying to care for their children while figuring out how they will keep their households afloat.
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<div>One of these mothers is also expecting a baby.
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<div>Instead of being able to focus on preparing for the arrival of her child, she is now facing the sudden detention of her family's provider and the uncertainty of how she will continue supporting her household.
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<div>There was no time for any of these families to financially prepare or make arrangements.
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<div>Everything changed overnight.
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<div>Five households are now trying to manage rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, childcare, and other necessities without the income they depended on.
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<div>At the same time, they are trying to navigate the detention and immigration process and cope emotionally with the sudden separation from their loved ones.
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<div>We Feel We Were Targeted
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<div>The sequence of events has left us with many questions.
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<div>We cooperated during the first interaction because we were told there was a garbage issue. We believed we were dealing with a routine warning from people presenting themselves as park rangers.
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<div>That is why we felt comfortable providing our identification.
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<div>They photographed our IDs and left.
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<div>Hours later, ICE arrived at our campsite. One of the individuals from the earlier encounter returned with them as armed “backup.”
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<div>Because of everything that happened afterward, we feel the garbage issue was not the real reason we were approached and that our families were targeted.
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<div>We felt intimidated and harassed throughout this experience.
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<div>Why We Are Asking for Help
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<div>As difficult as it is to ask, our families need help.
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<div>Our immediate priority is making sure these children—and the baby who will soon join one of these families—remain supported while their families navigate what happens next.
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<div>Donations will help the five affected households with:
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<div>Rent and housing expenses
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<div>Electricity, water, and other household bills
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<div>Groceries and necessities for the children
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<div>Baby and pregnancy-related necessities for the expecting mother
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<div>Transportation expenses
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<div>Legal and immigration-related expenses
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<div>Communication with our detained loved ones
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<div>Other emergency expenses caused by the sudden loss of household income
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<div>Every donation will help provide some stability to families whose lives changed within a matter of hours.
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<div>Please Help Our Families
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<div>We understand everyone has their own financial responsibilities. Any amount helps.
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<div>If you cannot donate, please share this fundraiser. Sharing our story can help it reach someone who may be able to support these families.
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<div>We went to Granite Falls expecting to spend Labor Day weekend camping, laughing, eating together, and making memories with our children.
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<div>Instead, we came home without five members of our family.
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<div>Our children went to sleep that night with their fathers and loved ones nearby. They woke up to their tents being shaken and people screaming outside. Although ICE agents told us to keep the children inside because they did not want them involved, the fear had already reached them.
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<div>They had already been awakened. They had already heard the shouting. They had already felt the fear.
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<div>And when the night was over, five of their fathers and loved ones were gone.
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<div>Now five families are without their primary financial providers. One mother is preparing to welcome another child while facing this sudden separation, and all of the women are doing everything possible to hold their households together.
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<div>We are supporting one another as much as we can, but we cannot do this alone.
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<div>Please help us make sure that while these children are already dealing with the sudden absence of their fathers and loved ones, they do not also have to worry about losing their homes or going without necessities.
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<div>Five men were taken that night. Five households lost their primary providers. Behind those five men are women, children, and a baby on the way who need our support.
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<div>From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading our story, donating, sharing, praying for our loved ones, and standing beside our families.
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<div>Please help us support these five families while we work toward bringing our loved ones home.
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<div>I have permission from each of my detained family members's wives/partners -- A.A., M.M., A.R., D.G., and Z.M. -- to withdraw the donated funds, split them equally between the households, and send the money to each family outside of GoFundMe.
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<div>Ayúdenos a apoyar a nuestra familia después de que ICE detuvo a 5 hombres. Lo que debía ser un tranquilo fin de semana del Día del Trabajo acampando en familia en Granite Falls, Washington, se convirtió en una noche aterradora que cambió la vida de cinco familias de un momento a otro. Fuimos a acampar juntos para disfrutar del fin de semana largo y crear bonitos recuerdos con nuestros hijos. En nuestro grupo había niños desde 1 año hasta 14 años, y una de las madres está actualmente esperando un bebé. Jamás imaginamos que nuestro fin de semana terminaría con cinco hombres de nuestra familia bajo custodia de ICE y cinco hogares perdiendo repentinamente a quienes son su principal sustento económico. Todo comenzó con una “advertencia por la basura”. Horas antes, unas personas que se presentaron ante nosotros como guardabosques (park rangers) se acercaron a nuestro campamento. Nos dijeron que había un problema con la basura y que solamente nos estaban dando una “advertencia”. Como nos hicieron creer que se trataba simplemente de un asunto rutinario relacionado con el campamento, nos sentimos tranquilos y decidimos cooperar. Nos dijeron que necesitaban la identificación de todos los adultos de nuestro grupo. Entregamos nuestras identificaciones porque creíamos que simplemente estábamos cooperando con las autoridades del parque por la supuesta advertencia relacionada con la basura. Procedieron a tomar fotografías de nuestras identificaciones y finalmente se fueron. En ese momento pensamos que todo había terminado. Alrededor de la medianoche regresaron con ICE. Horas después, aproximadamente a la medianoche, nuestras familias estaban dormidas dentro de las casas de campaña cuando repentinamente nos despertaron personas sacudiendo nuestras carpas y gritándonos que saliéramos. Nuestros hijos estaban durmiendo junto a nosotros. Las personas afuera se identificaban gritando que eran la “policía”. Creyendo que eran oficiales de policía ordenándonos salir, obedecimos y salimos de nuestras casas de campaña. Una vez afuera, nos dimos cuenta de que eran agentes de ICE. Estaban armados y nos apuntaban luces directamente a los ojos. Estábamos extremadamente asustados, intimidados y confundidos mientras intentábamos entender qué estaba sucediendo. Una de las personas que anteriormente se había presentado ante nosotros como guardabosques regresó al campamento junto con ICE. Esta vez llevaba un rifle grande y nos dijo que estaba ahí como “refuerzo” porque éramos muchas personas. Esto hizo que todo lo ocurrido anteriormente fuera aún más preocupante para nosotros. Habíamos cooperado porque nos dijeron que el problema era la basura. Habían fotografiado nuestras identificaciones durante ese encuentro y después se habían ido. Horas más tarde, una de esas mismas personas estaba nuevamente en nuestro campamento acompañando a ICE, armado con un rifle grande y diciendo que estaba ahí como “refuerzo”. Nuestros hijos estaban aterrados. Nuestros niños tienen entre 1 y 14 años y estaban durmiendo dentro de las casas de campaña cuando todo comenzó. Mientras los agentes de ICE gritaban para que los adultos saliéramos, también nos gritaban que no dejáramos salir a ninguno de los niños porque no querían involucrarlos. Pero para ese momento, nuestros hijos ya habían sido afectados. Ya los habían despertado personas sacudiendo sus casas de campaña y gritando afuera. Podían escuchar los gritos. Podían sentir nuestro miedo y nuestra confusión. Aunque los agentes nos dijeron que mantuviéramos a los niños adentro, ellos ya estaban despiertos, asustados y preguntando qué estaba pasando. Sabían que algo estaba mal. Sabían que estaban llamando a sus padres y familiares para que salieran. Y cuando esa noche terminó, cinco de esos hombres no regresaron a las casas de campaña. Cinco hombres de nuestra familia fueron detenidos por ICE esa noche. Como padres, una de las cosas más difíciles de aceptar es saber que nuestros hijos fueron aterrorizados antes de que nosotros mismos pudiéramos siquiera comprender lo que estaba sucediendo. Cinco familias cambiaron en una sola noche. Los cinco hombres detenidos son el principal sustento económico de sus hogares. Sus familias dependen de sus ingresos para pagar la renta, servicios, comida, transporte, las necesidades de sus hijos y los gastos básicos del día a día. Ahora esos ingresos desaparecieron repentinamente. Las mujeres quedaron a cargo de sus hijos mientras intentan descubrir cómo podrán mantener sus hogares. Una de estas madres también está esperando un bebé. En lugar de poder concentrarse en prepararse para la llegada de su bebé, ahora enfrenta la detención repentina de la persona que sostenía económicamente a su familia y la incertidumbre de cómo podrá continuar manteniendo su hogar. Ninguna de estas familias tuvo tiempo para prepararse económicamente ni hacer otros arreglos. Todo cambió de un día para otro. Ahora cinco hogares están intentando pagar renta, servicios, alimentos, transporte, cuidado de los niños y otras necesidades sin los ingresos de los que dependían. Al mismo tiempo, estamos tratando de entender y enfrentar el proceso migratorio y de detención, además del impacto emocional de haber sido separados repentinamente de nuestros seres queridos. Sentimos que fuimos señalados. La manera en que sucedió todo nos ha dejado con muchas preguntas. Durante el primer encuentro cooperamos porque nos dijeron que se trataba de un problema con la basura. Creíamos que simplemente estábamos recibiendo una advertencia rutinaria de personas que se presentaron como guardabosques. Por esa razón nos sentimos cómodos entregando nuestras identificaciones. Tomaron fotografías de nuestros documentos y se fueron. Horas después, ICE llegó a nuestro campamento. Una de las mismas personas del encuentro anterior regresó con ellos como “refuerzo”, esta vez portando un rifle grande. Después de todo lo ocurrido, sentimos que el problema de la basura no fue la verdadera razón por la que se acercaron a nosotros y que nuestras familias fueron señaladas.
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<div>Durante esta experiencia nos sentimos intimidados y acosados.
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<div>Estamos compartiendo lo que vivimos porque creemos que es importante que las personas entiendan cómo un viaje familiar para celebrar el fin de semana del Día del Trabajo terminó con cinco hombres de nuestra familia detenidos.
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<div>Por qué estamos pidiendo ayuda
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<div>Por difícil que sea pedirlo, nuestras familias necesitan ayuda en este momento.
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<div>Nuestra prioridad inmediata es asegurarnos de que nuestros niños —y el bebé que pronto llegará a una de estas familias— tengan un hogar, comida y todo lo necesario mientras enfrentamos lo que viene.
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<div>Las donaciones ayudarán a las cinco familias afectadas con gastos como:
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<div>• Renta y vivienda
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<div>• Electricidad, agua y otros servicios del hogar
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<div>• Alimentos y artículos esenciales para los niños
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<div>• Necesidades relacionadas con el embarazo y el bebé
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<div>• Transporte
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<div>• Gastos legales y relacionados con el proceso migratorio
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<div>• Comunicación con nuestros seres queridos detenidos
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<div>• Otros gastos de emergencia causados por la pérdida repentina de los ingresos familiares
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<div>Cada donación ayudará a brindar un poco de estabilidad a cinco familias cuyas vidas cambiaron en cuestión de horas.
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<div>Por favor, ayúdenos a apoyar a estas cinco familias
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<div>Entendemos que todos tenemos nuestras propias responsabilidades económicas.
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<div>Cualquier cantidad ayuda.
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<div>Si no pueden donar, por favor compartan esta recaudación. Compartir nuestra historia puede hacer que llegue a alguien que sí tenga la posibilidad de ayudarnos.
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<div>Fuimos a Granite Falls esperando pasar el fin de semana del Día del Trabajo acampando, riendo, comiendo juntos y creando recuerdos con nuestros hijos.
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<div>En cambio, regresamos a casa sin cinco miembros de nuestra familia.
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<div>Nuestros hijos se fueron a dormir esa noche con sus padres y seres queridos cerca de ellos.
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<div>Horas después despertaron porque estaban sacudiendo sus casas de campaña y había personas gritando afuera.
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<div>Aunque los agentes de ICE nos dijeron que mantuviéramos a los niños dentro porque no querían involucrarlos, para ese momento el miedo ya había llegado hasta ellos.
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<div>Ya los habían despertado.
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<div>Ya habían escuchado los gritos.
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<div>Ya habían sentido nuestro miedo.
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<div>Y cuando terminó esa noche, cinco de sus padres y seres queridos ya no estaban con ellos.
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<div>Ahora cinco familias están sin su principal sustento económico. Una madre está preparándose para recibir a un nuevo bebé mientras enfrenta esta separación repentina, y todas las mujeres están haciendo todo lo posible para mantener sus hogares y cuidar a sus hijos.
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<div>Nos estamos apoyando entre nosotros todo lo que podemos, pero no podemos hacerlo solos.
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<div>Por favor, ayúdennos a asegurarnos de que mientras estos niños enfrentan la ausencia repentina de sus padres y seres queridos, no tengan también que preocuparse por perder sus hogares o quedarse sin las cosas básicas que necesitan.
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<div>Cinco hombres fueron detenidos esa noche. Cinco hogares perdieron repentinamente su principal sustento económico. Detrás de esos cinco hombres hay mujeres, niños y un bebé en camino que hoy necesitan nuestro apoyo.
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<div>Desde lo más profundo de nuestros corazones, gracias por tomarse el tiempo de leer nuestra historia.
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<div>Gracias por cada donación, por compartir nuestra recaudación, por sus oraciones y por acompañar a nuestras familias durante este momento tan difícil.
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<div>Por favor, ayúdennos a apoyar a estas cinco familias mientras hacemos todo lo posible por traer a nuestros seres queridos de regreso a casa.
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<div>Tengo el permiso de las esposas/parejas (A.A., M.M., A.R., D.G. y Z.M.) de cada uno de mis familiares detenidos para retirar los fondos donados, dividirlos en partes iguales entre los hogares y enviar el dinero a cada familia fuera de GoFundMe.
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5 Hombres Detenidos por ICE: Ayudemos a Sus Familias

As many of you may or may not know, my dad, Gerard Sr., was diagnosed with multiple myeloma back in October of 2016. Shortly after that, he started a three-drug chemo treatment. He continued to work all throughout the treatments, and this July (2019) he finally finished the last round. A couple weeks later he traveled to Seattle to determine if he was a candidate for a more intense chemo and stem cell treatment. At this point the doctors thought he was in serological remission. After determining that he was a candidate for this new treatment, they found that the cancer was already slowly coming back. My dad wanted to try and put off this stem cell treatment for a year, but the doctors have said that it needs to happen as soon as possible.<br /><br />So, starting this September 11th (2019) my dad will be traveling to Seattle where he will start this new, and more intense, treatment. Because of the intensity of this treatment, my dad will be required to be near the hospital for 90-100 days while he recovers in case there are complications or infections occur. Because of this, my mom will be going with him, and she will also be staying for the duration of the treatment and recovery. This means that both my mom and dad will be out of work and without pay for 3+ months. If you know my parents at all, you know that they are not ones to ask for help; in fact, they would much rather be the ones giving their time/money to help others. Unfortunately, bills do not stop just because you are undergoing chemo treatments, and they will also have to stay in an apartment right next to the hospital for the first month of the treatment.<br /><br />It is because of all of these things that I have, with my father’s permission, set up this GoFundMe. I am asking for your help. This will be an incredibly difficult time for dad and for our family as a whole. I know that we live in difficult times, but I’m asking for your help in any way that you can. Whether that be through a donation, a private message, a phone call, a card, a letter, or even just simply keeping my father and our family in your prayers these next 3-4 months, any and all of these things would be greatly appreciated. Any money raised here will only be used by my parents to help pay the incoming bills, rent at the apartment, and any other necessary items needed while undergoing this treatment.<br /><br />With that I’d like to say thank you. My parents thank you. My brother thanks you. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My brother and I also plan on using this page to keep you all up to date, as best I can, throughout this whole process. I will be in Mississippi while all of this is happening so the updates might be a day or two after the fact, but it will be updated as soon as possible. Thank you again to all of you.

Gerard Duncan Sr. Cancer Treatment Fund

<div>On Saturday, February 22nd, citizens gathered at a town hall in Kootenai County, Idaho, to speak with elected members of the Idaho Legislature about important issues affecting their community. What should have been a peaceful and productive event, where people exercised their right to voice their concerns, quickly turned into a violation of Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl’s constitutional rights.
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<div>In a shocking and unlawful turn of events, Dr. Borrenpohl was detained by an unmarked paramilitary squad—an unknown and unnamed group of individuals with no clear authority or justification for their actions. What’s even more alarming is that the local sheriff, who, instead of protecting Dr. Borrenpohl, stood by and filmed the incident on his phone after encouraging her violent removal.
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<div>This detainment wasn’t just an unfortunate moment—it was an illegal violation of Dr. Borrenpohl’s rights. She was denied her freedom of assembly, her freedom of speech, and most importantly, her right to be free from unlawful detention. This is not just an isolated event; it is a chilling reminder that, even in the United States, our civil liberties can be stripped away without warning.
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<div>Dr. Borrenpohl is now taking a stand to ensure this injustice does not go unchecked. She is committed to holding those responsible accountable and fighting for the protection of our fundamental rights. But to do so, she needs your help.
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<div>The legal costs to defend her rights and to ensure that no one else suffers a similar fate are significant. Dr. Borrenpohl is seeking funds to retain a skilled lawyer who can help her navigate this complex situation, challenge this unlawful detention, and protect citizens from future violations of their rights.
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<div>No American should fear being carted away by an unnamed paramilitary force without cause. The protection of our freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to be free from unlawful detention—should never be taken for granted. Dr. Borrenpohl is not just fighting for herself; she is fighting for every one of us.
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<div>Please consider donating to help Dr. Borrenpohl retain legal counsel and ensure that this injustice is properly addressed. Your support is crucial in defending our rights and ensuring that justice prevails.
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<div>Thank you for standing with Dr. Borrenpohl, for the protection of our civil liberties, and for the preservation of justice in America. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in this fight.
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<div>Let’s stand together and ensure that no one’s rights are taken away without consequence.
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Justice for Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl: Fight for the First

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_1609363439255006_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_1609363439255006_r.jpeg" /><br />     In July of 2020, Jenice found out she had an aggressive form of cervical cancer.  The Ahlberg family, shaken by this news, rallied around Jenice to help her in any way possible.  Radiation treatment was rough, and even though the initial tumor was shrinking, we found out that her cancer was stage 4 in August.  Her nutrition, energy, and weight dropped to dangerous levels and consistent blood transfusions were needed in order to provide sustainment. A couple weeks before Thanksgiving, she was admitted to the hospital after a particularly rough day spurred a moment of crisis. Thankfully, during the next week of closely watched care and IV nutrition, she was able to start eating again, and improved enough to complete radiation treatments and start immunotherapy. Shortly thereafter, Jenice had the energy to not only be herself again, but also to be present for Thanksgiving and then to plan and produce one more amazing Christmas for her family. We enjoyed days of laughing, baking, family meals, and going for walks around the neighborhood. On the morning of December 29th Jenice went to be with her Lord.<br /><br />     We are grieving for Jenice, and know many of you are as well. Moving forward, her husband Tom needs a way to pay for the total cost of healthcare bills and funeral expenses. We would be blessed if you would consider helping us by donating in memory of Jenice.  She was the glue for our family for many years, always praying and providing with an amazing sixth sense for our needs. Her roles stretched from homework helper; themed birthday party guru; “boarding-house-for-anyone-in-need”; all the way to an incredible peacemaker and spiritual guide. Before cancer struck, she partnered with her daughter Aubrey and built an incredibly successful real estate business through Windermere, tackled her fitness with an amazing determination, and never stopped loving us. We will cherish our many memories for the rest of our lives, and will rest knowing that she is free of pain and full of love forever.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_1609363521415986_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_1609363521415986_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_1609363720706321_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_1609363720706321_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_1609364381676744_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_1609364381676744_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_1609364497514672_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_1609364497514672_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_160936466575327_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_160936466575327_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_1609364898257136_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_1609364898257136_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52246736_1609364927144882_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="52246736_1609364927144882_r.jpeg" />

In Memory of Jenice Henderson-Ahlberg

Hello.<br /><br />In less than an hour Jerry Meyer, our father, grandfather (Papa), uncle, best friend,  loyal co-worker, and good man lost his home along with almost everything he owned. <br /><br />In the early evening of September 12th, 2020, a fire consumed Jerry's home.  Jerry has some insurance, but it will not cover all he has lost.   We all want to help him in some way.  Some people have helped dig through the ashes, others have brought food and water, some have helped get Red Cross emergency donations, some have given their shoulders to cry on, and many have prayed.  Now that the cleanup is near finishing up, we all want to continue to do what little we can to help support Jerry in rebuilding his life.  We want to show Jerry that there is hope.  We want him to know in his heart that beauty can come from ashes.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51433678_1601076389216407_r.jpeg" alt="51433678_1601076389216407_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />Jerry lived alone in his home at 39355 Pourroy Ave on the outskirts of Temecula, CA .  He has worked hard all his life. In his early years he was a licensed journeyman plumber and worked in a plumbing business with his brother-in-law.  In mid-life he started and ran a successful carpet cleaning company that operated in the South Los Angeles and Orange County area. For the most recent 17 years Jerry has worked as a school bus driver for the Temecula School District, and the last 8 years he also served as a bus driver for the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.<br /><br />He had just received out-of-state visitors at his home when the fire started.  His family from Seattle, his daughter, Tammy , his grandson, Joshua, and a family friend, Vicki had arrived to stay and visit him for a few days.  <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51433678_1601076818315208_r.jpeg" alt="51433678_1601076818315208_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />There was a short period of confusion when Jerry and his guests began to smell smoke.  Not knowing where it was coming from, they each began to look around.  The realization came fast. The fire had started outside the home and was quickly beginning to overtake the house.  The family moved fast.  Jerry attempted to put out the fire with the garden hose, but it had grown too quickly.  Tammy assisted Vicki out of the house, but could only get her to the stairs.  They paused and Tammy called 911.  Joshua and a neighbor, Carol, assisted in helping Vicki move along quicker.  Jerry, realizing that Vicki needed further help to get out of harm's way,  ran to get a wheelchair out of his RV that was parked next to the home.  The house fire had already spread and the RV was also on fire.  Jerry got the wheelchair to Vicki and they all moved as fast as they could down the long driveway and out to the street.  By now the entire home, the RV, and the nearby cars were all being consumed by the flames.  The whole area was engulfed in toxic black smoke.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51433678_1601076961172599_r.jpeg" alt="51433678_1601076961172599_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />The house was well-involved with flames when the Temecula Fire Department arrived.  One fire fighter suffered heat exhaustion and was taken by ambulance to the hospital for evaluation. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51433678_1601077025451256_r.jpeg" alt="51433678_1601077025451256_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />Jerry's family and friends, including all four of his children, helped to sift through the ashes for cherished belongings.  An item Jerry had prayed he would find was a small, gold locket he kept that had belonged to his only sister.  Smaller than the size of a penny, and with the fire having turned everything to charred wood and ashes, there was no realistic thought that it would be found.   Every indication was that hope was lost.  Then, Jerry's son, Tom spotted something attached to a chain.  It was the locket! Inside the locket, as if encased in a fireproof vault safe from all heat and flame, were the two tiny photos of Jerry and his sister Cathy.  The photos were completely unharmed.  A clear message that hope is never lost.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51433678_1601077123765879_r.jpeg" alt="51433678_1601077123765879_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />We have each thought about that one thing we would grab if our homes caught fire.  Jerry grabbed a wheelchair, and yet he still got his one thing. <br /><br />There is hope.  There is beauty for ashes.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51433678_1601077149796097_r.jpeg" alt="51433678_1601077149796097_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />What does beauty for ashes mean?<br /><br />God loved us so much He says He can give us beauty for ashes according to Isaiah 61:3 that says, “to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  God says He will take away the wounded/unhappy/pain parts of our lives and make it beautiful.

Beauty For Ashes

Keith Heitzman

<div><strong>We are raising funds to help Matthew cover out-of-pocket medical costs following a recent ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) diagnosis. </strong>Matthew was diagnosed in October 2025, and since then, life has changed quickly—more appointments, more testing, and a growing list of care needs.
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<div>ALS is a progressive neurological disease that affects muscle function, speech, swallowing, breathing, and mobility. Since Matthew’s diagnosis, increased doctor visits, therapies, copays, travel to specialists, and new medical equipment needs have quickly
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<div>While these expenses were manageable at the end of 2025, early 2026 brought a wave of out-of-pocket costs, especially for insurance and initial treatments. As we navigate these financial challenges, it becomes essential to communicate how you can make a tangible impact.
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<div><strong>Our Goal</strong>
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<div><strong>We are seeking $15,000 to help cover Matthew’s insurance deductible and essential medical expenses, so that his care can continue without financial delays. </strong>The support will allow Matthew and me to focus on his health, and we are grateful for every contribution. Below is how your help will make a difference:
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<div><strong>What Your Gift Helps Cover:</strong>
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<div>Every dollar raised will go directly toward Matthew’s medical care and related needs.
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<div>• <strong>Insurance Deductible:</strong> $5k
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<div>• <strong>Quarterly ALS Clinic </strong>- Seeing Half a Dozen Specialists
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<div>•<strong> Speech Device </strong>to Help Verbal Communication
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<div>• <strong>Medicine Copays </strong>(and out-of-pocket costs)
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<div>We’ll continue sharing updates and progress on Matthew’s CaringBridge site so you can follow along and stay connected.
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<div>How You Can Help
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<div>1. Donate—Every amount helps Matthew’s care now.
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<div>2. Encourage—Share a note of support for Matthew.
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<div>3. Share—Forward this page to reach more potential supporters.
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<div>Thank you for helping Matthew. Your support brings relief and lets us focus on care, connection, and hope.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>Matthew + Maechen
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Standing with Matthew Through ALS Care

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Keith Heitzman

Keith Heitzman

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