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><strong>Giddy Up for the Brownings: Love, Hope &amp; Support</strong>
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<div><strong>This is the only fundraiser authorized by the Browning family.</strong>
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<div>We are Jonathan Van Dyke, a close family friend of Jeff and Jenn Browning, George Plomarity, Jeff's dear friend and his crew chief of decades, and Kevin Walker, an athlete Jeff coaches and a close friend. With the family's blessing, we are organizing this fundraiser. <strong>Jenn Browning is the beneficiary and will receive all donated funds directly.</strong>
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<div><strong>8/30 UPDATE: </strong>
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<div>Jeff’s medical situation, while thankfully improving, is more serious than we originally expected and additional procedures, hospitals transfers, surgeries and the likes are racking up the expenses. We have also learned of  ongoing care that will be needed once we get home to the U.S. that will be continuous for the rest of his life. We humbly ask for more help from the community to support Jeff, Jenn and the entire family through this process.
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<div>For many of us Jeff has been an inspiration in our darkest times and a constant source of motivation and encouragement. Please join us in supporting him now that he is the one in need
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<div><strong>What happened</strong>
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<div>While competing in the TDS race at UTMB near Chamonix, France, Jeff suffered a serious cardiac emergency. The race and emergency medical teams responded quickly, provided lifesaving care, and airlifted him to a hospital, where he underwent an emergency procedure to place three stents.
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<div>Jeff has regained consciousness, and his doctors are optimistic about his recovery. He is expected to remain in France for at least the next couple of weeks before he is cleared to travel home.
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<div>Out of respect for Jeff's privacy, we will share limited medical details. Updates will be provided as the family is able.
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<div><strong>Why the family needs help</strong>
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<div>As a self-employed athlete Jeff has limited insurance coverage. He is the primary provider for Jenn and their three children, and one of the first things he worried about after waking up was how he would take care of his family.
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<div>Because this happened overseas, the immediate costs are substantial: emergency treatment and an extended hospital stay billed directly to the family, international travel and lodging while Jeff is hospitalized, and medically appropriate transportation home. Beyond that, Jeff faces months of cardiac care and rehabilitation in the United States without coverage, and an indefinite loss of the income his family depends on.
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<div>The fundraising goal is $250,000. Donations go directly to Jenn and will be used at her discretion for expenses related to this crisis, including:
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<div>• Uninsured hospital and emergency medical costs in France
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<div>• Travel, lodging, and extended stays near Jeff's hospital
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<div>• Transportation and arrangements for Jeff's return home
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<div>• Ongoing cardiac care, rehabilitation, and medication in the United States
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<div>• Household and family expenses during Jeff's recovery
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<div>• Replacement of Jeff's lost income and time away from work for family members
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<div>This is a personal fundraiser, so donations are not tax-deductible.
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<div><strong>About Jeff</strong>
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<div>Jeff has spent years encouraging, supporting, and inspiring other people. He has pulled runners through difficult miles, helped others believe they were capable of more, and shown up with kindness when it mattered most. For many of us, Jeff was the one who offered a word of encouragement (GiddyUp!) right when we needed it. His impact reaches far beyond races and finish lines.
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<div>Now his family needs that community to show up for them.
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<div>Major shoutout to his sponsor KEEN for jumping in with support in a big way immediately!
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<div><strong>How to help</strong>
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<div>The family's needs are immediate. If you are able to give, your contribution helps ease the financial pressure of an uninsured international medical emergency and lets Jeff focus on recovering instead of worrying about how his family will get by.
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<div>Support comes in many forms and amounts. Sharing this and all contributions make a huge collective impact in the long run as we come together.
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<div>Thank you for every donation, share, message, and prayer. Jeff has carried so many of us over the years. Now it is our turn to carry the Brownings through these hardest miles.
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<div>No one runs alone.
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<div>Giddy Up, Jeff. We are with you every step of the way.
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Support Jeff and the Browning Family

<div>Our dear friends Jess, Shaun, and their 8-year-old daughter Isa experienced an unimaginable tragedy when a fire destroyed their home, car, and all their belongings in Altadena. Forced to abandon their home, they had no choice but to leave everything behind, taking only what they could carry in the moment.
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<div>If you know them personally, you know the sacrifices they made and the journey it took to create this home for their family, making this loss even more heartbreaking.
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<div>This fundraiser is intended to help with their immediate, out-of-pocket needs as they begin to rebuild their lives. These funds will go toward essentials like temporary clothing, toiletries, and other necessities not typically covered by insurance or assistance programs.
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<div>Your contribution, no matter the amount, will provide much-needed support during this challenging time.
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<div>Thank you for your compassion and generosity. ❤️
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Fire Recovery for Jess, Shaun, & Isa

<div>Hello, I'm Arnulfo and I'm fundraising for my mom, Angeles. She passed away earlier this year, and myself along with my sisters planned a funeral for her. I am asking for help in covering these costs. It is very expensive when someone dies, and while we did receive help from family who provided food, the total costs between cremation, mortuary fees, renting the church for the funeral and a post-ceremony venue has left me struggling a little bit financially. It is hard for me to ask for help, and I tried to do everything and pay for everything on my own. But I need to be more open to others who are willing to help. And since my mom is gone, I am turning to all of you for help. If you are able to, please consider donating. Any amount will help me get back on my feet so I can move on and live my life like my mom wanted me too. Thank you to everyone for reading, I know my mom was special to many people in her life. God Bless.
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<div>Hola, soy Arnulfo y estoy recaudando fondos para mi mamá Ángeles. Ella falleció a principios de este año y mis hermanas y yo planeamos un funeral para ella. Pido ayuda para cubrir estos costos. Es muy costoso cuando alguien muere, y si bien recibimos ayuda de familiares que nos proporcionaron comida, los costos totales entre la cremación, los honorarios mortuorios, el alquiler de la iglesia para el funeral y un lugar posterior a la ceremonia me han dejado un poco con dificultades financieras. Me resulta difícil pedir ayuda y traté de hacerlo todo y pagarlo todo yo sola. Pero necesito estar más abierto a otras personas que estén dispuestas a ayudar. Y como mi mamá se ha ido, recurro a todos ustedes en busca de ayuda. Si puede, considere donar. Cualquier cantidad me ayudará a recuperarme para poder seguir adelante y vivir mi vida como mi mamá también quería. Gracias a todos por leer, sé que mi mamá fue especial para muchas personas en su vida. Dios los bendiga.
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Help with Funeral Expenses for My Mom, Angeles

<div>Hi, my name is Tina Ulsh and I am organizing this fundraiser as a means of materially supporting Brenda Hodge as she disentangles herself from Clyde (her breast cancer).  Brenda was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  For her more science-minded friends, the pathology report reads:
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<div>Histologic type: Infiltrating mammary carcinoma, no special type (infiltrating duct carcinoma) arising within areas of duct carcinoma in situ.
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<div>Histologic grade of infiltrating carcinoma: Nottingham Grade 2. Glandular/Tubular differentiation: 2, Nuclear pleomorphism: 3, Mitotic count: 1, Total score: 6
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<div>Histology of duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Nuclear grade: 3, Necrosis: Focally present as comedonecrosis, Architectural patterns: Solid, cribriform, and comedocarcinoma, DCIS as % of tumor: Approximately 80%, Microcalcifications: Present within areas of duct carcinoma in situ.
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<div>ER: Positive (100% positive, intensity – strong), PgR: Positive (70% positive, intensity – moderate), Her2: Negative (Score 0-1+)
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<div>For her less science-minded friends, it means that her biopsy indicated an early find of breast cancer.  She will undergo surgery on June 29 to remove Clyde.  Radiation treatments will follow.  The prognosis is good and her outlook is positive.  
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<div>Brenda serves her community as a stellar running coach, selfless friend, and loving, involved mother.  She is the epitome of compassion and takes great pleasure in helping those around her.  Those of you who know her know this to be true.  Due to the non traditional nature of her work, the benefits that many of us take for granted (employer contribution to high deductible health plan, etc.) when we face health challenges will not be there for her to take advantage of.  That's where we can step in.  Brenda would be the last person to ask for help but the first person to offer it.  This is exactly why I ask you on her behalf to contribute what you can in order to alleviate the financial burden Clyde may have on Brenda. Every little bit will help.
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<div>Please see Brenda's website (<a href="https://run717.com/online-running-coach/?fbclid=IwAR0q0RCmF8-25mdUecEKQdQlrZMqQJROQTrsufal12jsa3c8IxEVDGduWy8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Run 717</a> ) for periodic updates as she overcomes this challenge just like the previous ones she has faced. 
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Outreach in Support of Brenda Hodge

<div>****Update*****
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<div>Hello everybody, 
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<div>On behalf of Ralph and our entire family, thank you so much for your generosity. It has warmed our souls during an incredibly difficult time. Of course we never anticipated so much support for Ralph, but we wanted you to know that we are working with a certified financial advisor to establish a Trust to properly receive the funds and use them for all of the original purposes we described. All funds will be used for Ralph's benefit, as his well-being and safety is our highest priority. Right now we will continue to focus on Ralph's recovery, but in the future we are considering setting up a charity.  
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<div>Again, thank you so much for your support.
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<div>***Update on Ralph***
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<div>Ralph is currently at home with the family. He can ambulate and communicate. A true miracle considering what he survived.
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<div>Each day is different. He has a long road ahead. However, we are very thankful that he is still here with us. I've been taking the time to read the emails and comments to Ralph. It warms our hearts to see him smile at all the kind words.
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<div>Thank you so much for loving Ralph
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<div>On Thursday, April 13, 2023, my nephew Ralph P Yarl was on his way to pick up his twin younger brothers from their friend's house a few blocks away from his house. He didn't have his phone. He mistakenly went to the wrong house, one block away from the house where his siblings were. He pulled into the driveway and rang the doorbell. The man in the home opened the door, looked my nephew in the eye, and shot him in the head. My nephew fell to the ground, and the man shot him again. Ralph was then able to get up and run to the neighbor's house, looking for help.
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<div>Unfortunately, he had to run to 3 different homes before someone finally agreed to help him after he was told to lie on the ground with his hands up.
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<div>Ralph Pual Yarl is a fantastic kid, and I am not just saying this because he is my nephew. He truly is. At school, he is a member of the Technology Student Association and Science Olympia Team. Jazz and competition band. He is a section leader in the marching band; a scholar and one of the top bass clarinet players in Missouri. He recently earned Missouri All-State Band recognition with an honorable mention. He plays multiple instruments in the metropolitan youth orchestra. He is a 2022 Missouri scholar academy alumni. Ralph can often be found with a musical instrument. He loves them all.
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<div>Last summer, Ralph attended Missouri Scholar’s Academy, where he got a full college life experience. His goal is to attend Texas A&amp;M to major in chemical Engineering. When asked how he plans to get into this university, he said, “Well, if they have a scholarship for music or academics, I know I can get it.”
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<div>Ralph's teacher and friends describe him as “ a kind soul,” “quiet,” “friendly,” “well-mannered,” “always willing to help,” “super smart,” and a “musical genius.”
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<div>Ralph was looking forward to graduating high school and finally getting the opportunity to visit West Africa before starting college.
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<div>Life looks a lot different right now. Even though he is doing well physically, he has a long road ahead mentally and emotionally. The trauma that he has to endure and survive is unimaginable. He is our miracle. We have heard these types of stories many times, and unfortunately, most black boys are not alive to get another chance.
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<div>Ralph deserves to have the future that he has dreams about. He deserves to be the light that shows the world that LOVE wins and that humanity is still Good.
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<div>However, he will need a lot of help to get there. Funds from this account will be used for his medical bills and therapy.
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<div>Any additional funds will be use for college expenses at Texas A&amp;M, a trip to West Africa, and other expenses.
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<div>Thank you
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Ralph Yarl

<div>Hi, my name is Adam, and I am fundraising for my Mother-in-Law Dwan Rager. Dwan and her husband Burton were on a trip to Virginia for a work conference and to visit Burton's family. This past Saturday, Burton suffered a heart attack. Sadly he passed away on the morning of 3/7/2023. This was an unexpected loss, and Dwan is processing the loss of her second husband. We have learned that there were no insurance policies or money saved for this situation. I am hoping to raise some money to help her as she walks down the path of grief, unexpected medical costs and daily living expenses while she finalizes things in Virginia and adjusts to life back in Colorado. Thank you!
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Help For Dwan

<div>Hello Aly’s Friends and Loved Ones,
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<div>It is with a heavy heart that we are sharing the news about the unfortunate circumstances that Alyssa “Aly” West—a beloved daughter, niece, cousin, granddaughter and trusted friend—suffered on Saturday, January 28, 2023. While attending her high school’s winter formal dance with many of her friends, Aly suffered a severe allergic reaction. CPR was administered and she was transported to a local hospital and ultimately transferred to Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Aly was put on life support and continues to be surrounded by her ever-loving Mom, Liza, and Dad, Jake, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins by her side. Vigils have been held, tears have been shed and prayers have been said. Please pray for the vibrant, loving and caring soul we all know as Aly.
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<div>She lights up every room she enters and always lends a caring hand with a smile on her face. Aly is a cheer captain, a dancer, a Model United Nations debater and an excellent student.  Aly is a true leader and she has such a bright future ahead.  Please pray.  
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<div>As you can imagine, Aly’s family was not at all prepared for the financial burden that comes along with such an accident. With your donation you can help provide for her medical bills, and for her and her parent's comfort and stability.
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<div>Thank you, in advance, for all of your love and support.
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Aly West

<div>Hi Everyone,


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<div>It is with a heavy heart that we are sharing about the sudden passing of Brian “Mac” McLeod. 


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<div>On Thursday, January 19th, Brian went home to be with our Lord after suffering from a massive heart attack. 


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<div>His beloved wife, Amy, by his side, she administered CPR and gave him his last breath on this Earth.  


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<div>Together they have built a family with their daughter, Taylor, and son, Duncan. 


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<div>As you can imagine, their family was not at all prepared for the financial burden that comes along with such an unexpected loss. <span style="font-family:'-apple-system-body';">With your donation you can help provide comfort and stability for their unforeseeable future.</span>

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<div>We want to thank you in advance for all of your love and support. 


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<div>Update: 
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Brian McLeod

<div>Friends of Clint and Kate,
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<div>As most of you are aware from local news reporting,  there was a large structure fire early Monday morning at Clint and Kate's ranch in Old Snowmass.  Their home is a complete loss and Clint's parents, as well as their beloved dogs, perished in the fire. Clint is currently stable and in the ICU burn unit in Denver with significant burns. Kate is not injured. We are asking for your help to give anything you can to assist them during this incredibly difficult time. They have lost everything and will need support from their friends in every way possible.
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Clint Coerdt & Kate Sartain House and Medical

<div>My name is Kara and I live in Seattle, WA. Hannah and Nick are dear friends of mine. Hannah and I were in the Peace Corps together from 2009-2011 and have remained very close friends for over a decade. Yesterday, I learned of the devastating loss of their beautiful home to the Boulder fires.
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<div>Wind gusts of up to 115mph combined with downed power lines fueled out of control grass fires which claimed hundreds, possibly thousands of homes in the Louisville/Superior area. After evacuating to a hotel with Hannah's mother and their four rescue animals, Nick and Hannah followed the news and Twitter as the fires spread across neighborhoods and into their own.
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<div><em>Nick and Hannah's Superior, CO home- assumed at this point to be a total loss.</em>
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<div>I started this GoFundMe because I love Hannah and Nick, and knew their community of friends and family would need a way to show them that we are here and have their back as they process, grieve, and plan. Nothing can replace the intangible loss of old family photos, journals, heirlooms and the personal comforts of home- but we can send them a message that we love them and they are not in this alone.<br /><br />Every dollar donated will go directly to their family as they purchase necessities like groceries and clothing, and secure short and long term lodging. Thank you for supporting this effort and for keeping the Combs family close to your hearts right now.
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Support Nick and Hannah After Colorado Fires

Hello there friends,<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here and taking the time to visit this page. Some of you may already know Peter and Natalie Hoffman. They have touched so many with their genuine display of love and concern shown towards everyone they meet. Their sincere personalities and absolute faith in God is what attracts so many to them.  <br /><br />For those of you who are not aware, Peter was recently diagnosed for the second time with testicular cancer. His battle with cancer began back in August of 2011 when he was 26 years old. Natalie and Peter had been married only one year when they received this devastating news. Peter’s cancer was proven to be the most aggressive of its form resulting in surgery and multiple emotionally and physically draining rounds of chemotherapy.<br /><br />Though effective, the toll that this treatment took on Peter was great and he continues to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy, including a compromised immune system, which may have contributed to the return of his cancer. This time Peter and Natalie decided to pursue surgery to remove the majority of the cancer and as a follow- up they are pursuing treatments that will focus on building up and strengthening Peter’s immune system which is designed to kill off the remaining cancer cells and minimize the chance of it coming back again. This brings us to the purpose of this page. These treatments are expensive and are not covered by medical insurance.<br /><br />Because of their incredibly kind and humble nature, Peter and Natalie are not inclined to seek much assistance from others, especially when it comes to their financial needs. We have known them for many, many years and we consider them our closest friends and family. I know many of you friends feel the same. Therefore, we would like to ask for your help by providing donations of any amount that is within your means. This will greatly help alleviate the financial burden resulting from Peter not being able to work while recovering from surgery as well as the many treatments he will be receiving.<br /><br />Peter and Natalie are  aware of these efforts and  would like to express their utmost sincere gratitude to all of you for your help and support during this incredibly difficult time.<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52141272_1604205798377900_r.jpeg" alt="52141272_1604205798377900_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52141272_1604205764175247_r.jpeg" alt="52141272_1604205764175247_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Help  Peter fight testicular cancer

Matt had a heart full of concern for his fellow man. He looked for and believed in the best in others. So many benefitted from his kind, giving ways.  His work with underprivileged children, troubled teens, the Navajo nation, and the people of Haiti only begin to scratch the surface of Matt's far-reaching influence. His beautiful trail races across central and southern Utah inspired thousands as they ran through Utah's most stunning lands.<br />The most significant portion of his heart, however, was reserved for his children. They were his life and greatest concern. He cherished time with them and strove to make their moments together special. He took them all over the world whenever he could, opening their eyes to the beauty of diversity and unity. He wanted his children to know they had options and could become whatever they wished.  And now that he is gone, his siblings wish to carry on that goal.  We are asking for donations to help care for Matt's four children, Abraham, Lia, Hazel, and Olive. We want them to know they are loved, they have options, and that their father tried to give the whole world to them. Please help us make sure they can attend any college they wish, and are able to explore all the creeks and valleys and hidden trails that Matt wanted to show them.

Fund for Matt Gunn's Surviving Children

On Thursday, August 22, Eva Love suffered a severe head injury, which resulted in significant brain trauma.<br /><br />We set up the Go Fund Me site because so many people have asked how they can help.  Any money raised will go towards Eva’s medical expenses and ongoing care, as well as offset the financial burden of time away from work.  All donations, no matter how small, are deeply appreciated.<br /><br />Please pray for sweet Eva, for healing and restoration. We know a God who can do measurably more than we can ask or imagine and together, let’s pray boldly and stand firm on that truth.<br /><br />If you would like to send a card or gift to Eva, please mail to:<br />Eva Love<br />c/o Dugan E. Sherbondy<br />PO Box 897<br />Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Eva Love Sherbondy

Our dear friends, Jeff and Melissa, have adopted two darling daughters and have been trying to get back to the US... It’s been nearly 2 months since they have been home. Join us in showing them love as they continue to wait to be reunited with their whole family. Let’s link arms and shoulder the load of unexpected expenses and sacarifices they have had to make in this long process of waiting...<br /><br />Please continue to pray over their family and support them in anyway you can.

The Smith Family Fund

The Shaw/Florquist families suffered a terrible loss on Christmas Eve night.  Tragically, Sancy Shaw, was involved in a car accident and didn't make it.  Her daughter, Charlee, was in the car and miraculously survived.  She is in critical condition, but alive.  We are asking for fervent prayers on Charlee's behalf that she makes a full recovery.  Sancy is mother to Wyatt, Mason, Jaxon and husband to Brett.  Sancy was truly a light wherever she went and words cannot be found to express how much we will miss her.  Our hearts are shattered.  Many of you have expressed wanting to donate or help in some way.  If this is the avenue you choose to help, thank you-  Thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion during this tragic time.

Shaw Family

For those of you who know Amanda, you know her words always penetrate the heart, so in the words of Amanda from her Instagram posts (@amandaauer), here is their story so far.<br /><br />Updates - @amandaauer &amp; @joshauer<br /><br /><strong>My sweet, optimistic, adorable, curly haired cutie is sick you guys. I’ve actually never had a kid as sick as she is in my years yet parenting.</strong><br />.<br /><strong>September 21st -</strong> ‭I’ve taken her to the doctor and the diagnosis is to ride this out, but its unbearably brutal for this poor one here. She’s got snot stuck in her body and it’s failing to drain. She’s tired and lethargic. She’s moody and uncomfortable. She’s dry heaving like crazy just to get it out (to mostly no avail). We are taking all the precautions and all the directions of people who she is in care of to make sure she sees this run it’s course but she’s tired and I am tired.<br />.<br /><strong>September 23rd -</strong> In our second ER this weekend. Being transferred to CHOC for Rowen. <strong>They don’t know what is wrong yet so please, if you have been, keep praying. We need these doctors to have wisdom. </strong>We need guidance in how to advocate for her. We want answers and not band aids. We need logistics for our other children moving forward. <strong>Pray for all of that and whatever else the Lord leads you to.</strong> We’ll be with her overnight - both Josh and I by the grace of God and community.<br />.<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33223510_1537811691687029_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="33223510_1537811691687029_r.jpeg" /><br /><strong>It is an issue with her heart. It is critical. We are heading to CHOC ICU. I don’t know much more than that.</strong><br />.<br />Endlessly moved by the flood of people who have connected and reached out in this space we keep.<br />.<br />We feel so loved and protected.<br />.<br />I honestly feel a gross amount of peace. I’m sure I shouldn’t with so much up in the air. But I can say “I believe that You are good” and mean it through my bones. Even still. Praying for full, miraculous, speedy healing that surprises the staff and physicians alike.<br />.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33223510_1537811650907835_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="33223510_1537811650907835_r.jpeg" /><br />This is what it feels like - this mess of wires right here. It’s confusing and intimidating and I don’t understand it. We are overwhelmed. She is irritated and hurting and we can’t stop or change it. I laughed tonight that I still had to actively parent from a hospital bed because no still means no - you can’t have water; it’s not safe.<br />.<br />We are cracked apart by all of it. In disbelief for sure. <strong>Tonight is THE night. It decides much. Tonight we see what we are made of - what she is made of - what He is made of.</strong><br />.<br />And if not... <strong>He is still good.</strong> I promise you He is. I sat stroking her hair tonight, sweaty on the side she laid from that hard working heart of hers that’s causing strain. I sat and felt assured. I felt confident. I felt like I knew my role.<br />.<br />If I believe in purpose - if I believe I’ve been created for specific things foreseen, then tonight is divine in my mind. It’s about me stepping up. Wading ankle deep into that river and watching God prove the promise He made me.<br />.<br />Not for a miracle - but gosh I hope. Not for physical recovery - but it’s what my soul sets on. Not even for understanding right now. But for peace that goes beyond the situation. For a God that sees me and sees Rowen and knows us both in our weakness and fear; that meets our needs in and through one another.<br />.<br />Tonight Rowen needed Jesus by her bedside. She was scared and overwhelmed and in pain. And I got to hold her hand, as His hand. And be His feet - for her. And I’m pretty sure it’s the moment for which I’ve been made.<br />.<br />When she was in the ER today her monitor kept beeping while she was laying on me - this is before we knew anything was serious - and I realized once I put my hand on her back, that it was like she was holding her breath. She would lay still - no movement or labor to her - and the monitor would start beeping shortly after. A few times I said quietly “Rowen?”, or tickled her back and up her quickened breath started once more. Looking back, it hurts my heart to think she was resting; resting from this fight in a way that only ends badly for us that want to keep her here. I wonder if in those moments she just felt too much: too tired, too struggled, too overworked, too ready for it to be done. And mostly I wonder how she found her way back to fight more and longer and harder than she has. For it all I am so so thankful.<br />.<br /><strong>Please continue to pray practically: she is uncomfortable with all the monitors and it’s emotional (because: toddler). We need help and wisdom navigating family logistics for us as her parents but also as the parents of 3 others (and Josh as a provider in a single income family - thankful for self employment’s power stepping in). And please pray I would remember to eat well - nourish myself and my body and remember to pump milk for my nursing baby. These hours fade quickly here and my body is suffering; I need the structure and discipline to keep it up.</strong><br /><br /><strong>September 24th - </strong>She had an emotionally charged night. She’s hooked up to so much stuff, she can’t really move very well. The hardest part is the catheter and IV port (?) in her groin area. It’s taped down. It’s hurting her. She complains often and she’s over tired since she only slept here and there. Having your child scream at you because you cannot meet her need - asking repeatedly for you to do this one thing - knowing you can’t do anything because she’s labeled “very fragile”.... there is nothing so helpless. .<br />It took 5 solid minutes to orchestrate her move to Josh’s lap in this chair. She wanted to be held - our “touch” girl. We cannot take away the pain in her leg (the IV or port or whatever is *stitched* in), but we were allowed to carefully cuddle. She fell asleep in his arms, in and out of contentment. Thankful in the big, thankful in the small. .<br />They did a repeat cheat x-ray this morning to check for progress. <strong>We are waiting on results. Her face swelling is going down. She’s made it through the night. She’s in good spirits at 6am.</strong> She really, really wants access and allowability for food and drink. Pray for progress in all arenas. Good results in all these areas. For favor from Him in her swift healing. <br />.<br />As tough to endure with the lack of sleep and screaming that accompanied, my gosh it’s good to see that she is still FIRE inside. <strong>And that is Him and His - in victory, all the way. I’m so proud.<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33223510_1537811726750975_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="33223510_1537811726750975_r.jpeg" /></strong>

Fight with the Auers

<p>As many of you know, we adopted two of the most beautiful and precious children on the Earth in August of 2012.  It was a dream come true after several years of yearning for children.  It was such a blessing to us that we decided to adopt once more from Ethiopia starting in May, 2016.  This last week we received some amazing news from our agency.  They have a baby boy waiting for us!!! His name is Abenezer and he is a little over 1 1/2 years old.  At this point he is malnourished and very underweight, but otherwise seems to be developing well.  He has been transferred to the transition home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will remain until he can join our forever family.  In telling you this incredible news, we must also be honest that we really need your prayers and financial support.  We need over $20,000 more to cover agency fees, international fees (humanitarian aid, orphanage care workers, etc.) visas, medical care, travel to Ethiopia and the list goes on.  We do not know exactly when we will be able to bring him home but we have been told to estimate between 6-8 months from now.  <br />In I Samuel 7:10, it describes a situation where Samuel was sacrificing a burnt offering on behalf of Israel, and during this time the Philistines drew near to engage in battle.  The Israelites went out and God sent them supernatural help.  "That day the LORD thundered with loud thunder agains the Philistines and threw them into such a paic that they were routed before the Israelites." And then Israel's victory was decisive.  To celebrate and commemorate the divine victory, "Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen.  He named it Ebenezer saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." vs 12.<br />And so, we too, believe that with God's supernatural help, this will be our Abenezer.  May this be a point in our lives that we place a stone to always remember that his strength allowed us to do the impossible and may we feel and hear his thunder in such a way that is divine.  For we know with confidence, just as Samuel did, that the Lord has brought us this far- he will not abandon us.<br />Please join us to bring little sweet Abenezer home!</p>
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Higgins Ethiopian Adoption 

Our dear brother Michael Smithson passed away on October 2, 2017, peacefully at home. It has been a hard, devastating loss and we are in the process of arranging his Celebration of Life service. If you would like to help out in any way, please donate here. The funds will be used to cover funeral costs. Any remaining money will be put aside for Taylor's college fund. Thank you all for your love and support as we walk through this season. <br /><br />All our love,<br />The Smithson Family

Sally McRae

Sally McRae

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