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>Update 12/6/2024: As you can see from the fundraiser updates, Christina passed peacefully and in complete comfort the evening of Sunday December 1st, 2024. All remaining funds and further contributions will go toward outstanding debts incurred to make the house safer and more comfortable for Christina, including a seamless shower installed in the bathroom ($8,276.00 owed), a tilt-in-place shower chair ($2,015.13), the adjustable home care bed that kept her so comfortable and warm ($4,148.00), and her cremation ($3,845.00).
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<div>I am raising funds to pay for medical bills and to pay for in-home care for Christina's safety and wellbeing, and so that I can continue job-hunting and hopefully working soon.
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<div><strong>Why In-Home Care?</strong>
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<div>We are trying to hire in-home assistance to have some help for Christina to get around the house, prepare her meals and snacks, and to help keep her on track with exercises and therapies.
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<div>I have been looking for remote work for a long long time, longer than I ever imagined I would be, and responses are few and far between. I haven't been contacted for an interview since 2022 despite hundreds of applications.
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<div>At this point her symptoms are bad enough that it will be a challenge for me to work, even from home. Working away from home is out of the question. In-home care will make it possible for me to work and pay our mortgage and expenses.
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<div><strong>Her Diagnosis and Daily Life</strong>
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<div>She was officially diagnosed with Huntington's Disease in 2021 and has been experiencing increasing symptoms for years before her diagnosis. Her symptoms have continued to progress, and now it is unsafe for her to be alone and move around the house alone. Over the last few years she has gradually lost her ability to drive, prepare food, brush and floss her own teeth, and pretty much all other everyday tasks that most of us take for granted.
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<div>Her worst symptom is debilitating fatigue, unlike anything many of us have ever experienced. It comes from being active of course but even from simply perceiving the world around her. Riding in the car to Asheville wears her out mainly due to the numerous things to look at. Conversations have become tremendously difficult, and even texting is too much most days. Take your most exhausting day and multiply how drained you felt by 100.
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<div>She is also experiencing extreme anxiety, depression, apathy, and compulsive thoughts that she cannot put aside. Most nights it is difficult for her to fall asleep.
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<div>Her sense of balance, coordination, ability to plan and think critically, ability to follow through on tasks, and her psychological well-being are all diminishing and will continue to do so. There is no cure for Huntington's.
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<div>Finally, Christina had a bad fall around mid-January 2024 that required a visit to the ER, and the stress and trauma exacerbated her typical symptoms from HD. This has added to our difficulties as well as our expenses, with medical bills at about $2,000 for the ER visit and related follow-up care.
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<div><strong>Thank You</strong>
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<div>Whatever you can give is greatly appreciated, more than we can express. Sharing with your friends, family, and coworkers is also incredibly helpful and appreciated, even if you can't contribute funds. We love you all.
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</div><img alt="78389979_1708479764562372_r.jpg" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/78389979_1708479764562372_r.jpg" width="100%" />
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<div><strong>What is Huntington's?</strong>
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<div><em>Huntington's disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington's disease has a wide impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) and psychiatric disorders.</em>
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<div>Source: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/huntingtons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356117" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>
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Funds for Care, Comfort, and Rest for Christina Dawn

<div><b>UPDATE 3/27/24 </b>
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<div><b>Thank you to all who donated already! </b>
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<div><span>Below is an update from Jessica. These incredible people still need some</span> good vibes and support of all kind to get through this. 
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<div>With the chemo side effects, Sam is still down the for the count as far as work goes but his mind never stops the planning to return at the appropriate time for his long term health and happiness. He’s doing so well focusing on making sure he kicks cancers booty! He’ll be back to feeding the masses that miss his food oh so much ❤️
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<div><span>“…Sam just finished his second round of chemotherapy yesterday. He has to have four rounds total. The side effects are pretty brutal for him, but overall, he is doing well. After chemo, he will receive immunotherapy for a year and scans every few months for 5 years. Right now, his scans and tests look great. He’s hoping to be back to work sometime this summer so you’ll all be able to enjoy his delicious food again in a few months. He’s on his way to beating this and we’re remaining hopeful and positive!  As always, Sam and I both appreciate all of the support. ”</span><br />
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<div><b>UPDATE 1/10/24</b>

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<div>Surgery went as planned with no surprises or unexpected hurdles!! 

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<div>Sam will recover for a few days at the hospital while he starts on the road to recovery. Hopefully this is a smooth, albeit long, ride!

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<div><b>Update 1/3/24</b>


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<div>THANK YOU to everyone who donated and showed Sam and Jess just how much they mean to us! 



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<div>Sam officially has a surgery date! <b>1/10/24 is the big day. </b>



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<div>We will undoubtedly have more updates as that date passes so stay tuned. Keep the good vibes flowing and if possible please donate to these incredible people. Who knows how long this road is for Sam and all his focus and worry should be on his health and kicking cancer’s booty. ❤️❤️❤️



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<div>Hello friends!




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<div>As most of you may know, a person who is near and dear to a lot of our hearts has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer. While it is hard for most of us to imagine being on the receiving end of that news, it was undoubtedly harder for someone who has given so much and worked so hard to achieve his dreams. Sam deserves nothing but the unwavering support of family of friends through these coming days. If you are able to, I know the Boccuti’s would appreciate anything you could do, even if it’s just sharing this fundraising page to reach the masses.




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<div>Money raised will go towards offsetting the financial burden from medical expenses and bills. This will allow Sam peace of mind while he focuses on healing and is unable to work.




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<div>In case you missed the post with more details on his personal or catering pages, I have added it below.




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<div>“If you saw my post last week, you know that I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. I wanted to give you all an update…. I met with my surgeon yesterday and unfortunately did not receive the news I was hoping for. He told me that my cancer is advanced and that the tumor in my lung is very large and causing my lung to collapse. The plan going forward is to have an operation to remove the tumor and possibly my lung. What complicates things is that about 10 years ago, I fell two stories off of a house and have major trauma to my body from that accident. Because of all of the scar tissue and things floating around in my body from that injury, my cancer surgery needs to be done through my chest, instead of from the back. The surgeon stressed that this is a major surgery. They want to move fast on this so surgery will most likely be within the next few weeks. All of the scans I had done last week showed the cancer has not spread and the surgeon did say that if I can make it through surgery, he does think this can be curable. After surgery, I will need chemo just in case theres cancer in my body that wasn’t detected on a scan. The doctor said the tumor is so large that it’s likely “embers” of it could be floating around my body, but they’re so small, they’re not detected on a scan or test. I’ll receive chemo as a precaution for this. Because this surgery is such a big deal, I will be completely out of work for at least 3 months. Once those 3 months are up, I’m not sure what life will look like. I know that my body isn’t going to allow me to work as hard as I am used to working. I don’t know what this means for my business at the moment. I know that’s it a real possibility that I might have to give it up and focus more on my well being, which is the hardest thing about this. I’ve worked the hardest I ever have this last year and a half and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. This is a decision that will take some time to figure out. Right now, I just want to focus on getting through this surgery, recovering, and beating cancer. The support I’ve received over the last week since initially sharing this news has not gone unnoticed. Having so many people send well wishes and encouragement has really lifted my spirits. Myself, my wife, and even my dogs (and Saul the cat) appreciate all of the support!




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<div>-Sam”




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Sam Boccuti’s Fight Cancer Fund

<strong>This fundraiser was created on behalf of Mark and the Cogar family.</strong><br /><br />On Sunday, February 7th, 2021, my wonderful father-in-law, Mark Cogar, suffered a <strong>sudden cardiac arrest</strong>. Although he was resuscitated promptly, he has been in intensive care and on life support ever since. After two weeks of treatment and numerous tests, we learned that the cause of arrest was a rare genetic heart condition called <strong>Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy</strong>, which went undiagnosed his entire life. Although he is stable, he has suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen to his brain during the arrest. He is currently in a <strong>coma</strong>. <br /><br />Mark is a kind-hearted and easy-going man who loves to make people laugh. He is immensely loyal and has been married to his wife, Barbara Cogar, for 42 years. He has been a fiercely loving and dedicated father to my wife, Caitlin Blair Tuzon, his only child. He enjoys cooking and growing his own garden. In recent years, he became very health-conscious, diligently followed a clean, nutrient-dense diet, and lost 100 pounds, of which he is very proud. He is funny, full of energy, and has always cared for everyone he knows. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54809554_1613948554854627_r.jpeg" alt="54809554_1613948554854627_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />This sudden event has been utterly heartbreaking and financially devastating for his family. We have had many friends and family reach out to us, asking if there is <strong>anything they can do to help</strong>. I have created this page to help generate assistance for my father-in-law and his wife to afford the care he needs. We want to move him out of the hospital and into a longer-term care facility to continue his treatment. Although it is uncertain if he will make a full recovery, <strong>we want to ensure Mark has the best fighting chance</strong>. We have been told that there is a possibility for him to regain consciousness, which, albeit is not guaranteed, still gives us hope. <strong>The sooner we can get funds, the sooner we can get him the help and attention he needs to recover.</strong><br /><br />Mark’s current medical expenses, as well as the cost for his stay in a long-term care facility, are immense. Mark was the breadwinner and provided well for his family until he recently lost his job due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Because of this tragic event and his recent loss of income, his family is experiencing financial hardship and needs help in affording his care.  <strong>Please consider donating to assist the Cogar family during this challenging time.<br /><br />Alongside the loss of Mark’s income, Barbara has had to take unpaid leave, which has made it difficult to meet financial obligations. Additionally, public insurance will not cover Mark’s transfer to a facility necessary to continue his care.</strong><br /><br />Miracles do happen, and Mark strongly believes in that. There have been many friends, family, and extended family praying for one to come. Thanks to all of those who have reached out to us over the past two weeks. We appreciate your love and support more than you will ever know. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54809554_1613949034804068_r.jpeg" alt="54809554_1613949034804068_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><strong>Mark is one in a million.</strong> Friendly and helpful, he has always been a hero to everyone - a true mensch. He is a fighter and one of the strongest people I’ve ever known; a big-hearted, salt of the earth, hard-working, simple man who loves deeply. He is the rock of the Cogar family, the person everyone leans on, and we are missing him tremendously.<br /><br />We love you, Mark. <strong>Keep carrying the fire.</strong><br /><br />-Dane Tuzon and Family<br /><br /><strong> “On your feet, soldier.”<br /></strong><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54809554_1613948493281527_r.jpeg" alt="54809554_1613948493281527_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Carrying The Fire - Fundraiser for Mark Cogar

Memorial fund for the Monaco Family <br /><br /> <br /><br />It is with extremely heavy hearts that we put together this Go Fund Me memorial. We tragically lost Anthony Monaco (31) on June 1st. He spent the day doing what he loved most golfing with friends, came home to his beautiful family and put his kids to bed. He suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the ER where he passed away a few hours later. We recently found out that he passed away due to an underlying genetic heart condition that he was unaware of. He leaves behind his loving wife Samantha and their two beautiful children, Elliana (2) and Nico (5 mos) as well as an immeasurable amount of family and close friends. <br /><br />Everyone who knew Anthony was touched by him, whether it be through his infectious smile, his generous hugs or his contagious zest for life. He truly had a heart of gold. <br /><br />We ask that you would please consider supporting Anthony's family throughout this very difficult time. This is a wonderful way we can all help to carry on Anthony’s legacy. Any donation will help, as we pray that his family can focus on healing and celebrating his beautiful life. Anthony will forever be in our hearts and on our minds. We appreciate each and every one of you greatly. May God bless you all. Words by family and countless other friends.

Memorial fund for the Monaco Family

<strong><br /><iframe media_type="0" media_id="n6Dl00Ge8jQ" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/n6Dl00Ge8jQ/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>GoFundMe Introduction Video by Mental Health Advocate/Hip-Hop Artist, Archie Green<br /><br /><iframe media_type="0" media_id="vP6TtuXijX8" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vP6TtuXijX8/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>"My Violin Weighs A Ton: Documentary" Trailer<br /><br />About "My Violin Weighs A Ton"<br /><br />"My Violin Weighs A Ton" (MVWAT) is the realization of a unique vision that Hip-Hop Artist and Mental Health Advocate, Archie Green crafted and is bringing to life in order to engage, educate, and inspire a new generation.<br /><br /></strong>Archie has been a Hip-Hop Artist for over twenty years, and in that time span he's also become a fan of classical music, having played musical instruments in high school, and attended various concerts at the world-renowned <strong>Severance Hall</strong> in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. <br /><br />Archie also understands the power of music, and how it can be used to overcome obstacles, deal with painful experiences, and even help individuals cope with mental illness.  <strong>The students participating in this project are a part of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, <a href="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/e-team/cmsd-has-among-highest-suicide-rates-of-any-urban-school-district-in-the-us">which according to a 2017 CDC study</a>  are leading the nation in Suicide rates (2 in every 10 high schoolers having attempted suicide in 2015).</strong><br /><br />In January of 2019,  Archie and his Mental Health Advocacy group, <strong><a href="http://www.instagram.com/peeldemlayersback">Peel Dem Layers Back</a> </strong> (PDLB), was granted the opportunity to bring MVWAT to life.  For the four-month- long performance project, Archie and PDLB have partnered with <a href="http://lexingtonbellcommunitycenter.org/about-our-center">Lexington-Bell Community Center</a>  (LBCC), an urban youth educational center located in the historic Cleveland neighborhood of Hough. MVWAT is an interactive experience that will allow the students at the Lexington-Bell Community Center to create and perform hip-hop with a classical twist.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39317906_1558889800895986_r.jpeg" alt="39317906_1558889800895986_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Preschoolers at Lexington-Bell Community Center  <br /><br /><strong>About The Title</strong><br />The name <strong>My Violin Weighs A Ton</strong> is a tribute to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Vinyl_Weighs_a_Ton">"My Vinyl Weighs A Ton"</a> an influential hip-hop record by DJ Peanut Butter Wolf released in 1999 on Stones Throw Records.  At the time of its release, rock critic John Bush commented, "My Vinyl Weighs a Ton boasts deep beats and choice samples, all of them working brilliantly together.”  The title is meant to evoke the sentiment that in this project there will be an intersection of hip-hop and classical music.<br /><br /><strong>Three Areas of Growth</strong><br />The children participating in MVWAT are between 5-12 years old. Each phase of the program will focus on three areas of growth for the youth participants:<br /><strong><br />1. Acts of Kindness<br /></strong> During the program, students will be learning about, and doing, acts of kindness through special workshops and exercises (such as Car Window Poetry), musical instruction (with The Cleveland Classical Guitar Society), and field trips (to Severance Hall and moCa Cleveland)<strong><br /><br /></strong><strong>2. Parental Engagement<br /></strong>MVWAT will involve the entire family. As students learn how to play classical instruments and write original rap lyrics and poetry, they will be sharing these experiences with their parents. At the end of the project, the students will produce and perform in a special recital that will be attended by their family members.<strong><br /><br /></strong><strong>3. Social Anxiety</strong><br />In efforts to relieve the stresses that youth faces due to social media and peer pressure to be perfect, students will be encouraged to tap into their abundant wells of creativity without limits or judgement—and with the assurance that the most beautiful works of art are often the result of beautiful accidents.<br /><br /><strong><br />Creative Writing Workshops</strong><br />The students will learn, practice, and develop their songwriting and lyrical prowess.  They will attend creative workshops—giving them the basics behind hip-hop and classical music, and helping them see how to use songwriting as a form of creative expression. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39317906_1558889236825611_r.jpeg" alt="39317906_1558889236825611_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Cleveland Classical Guitar Instructor gives lesson to students<br /><br /><strong>Classical Guitar Lessons</strong><br />The students will be taking guitar and piano lessons from the <a href="https://cleguitar.org/cbs-this-morning/"><strong>Cleveland Classical Guitar Society (CCGS)</strong></a>.  The students will be immersed in the process by creating their own original songs, along with learning traditional hip-hop covers. The songs will have a blend of both hip-hop's touches on lyricism and performance, along with the elements of frisson (or musical chills) from the accompaniment of classical instruments. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39317906_1558889381472502_r.jpeg" alt="39317906_1558889381472502_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Nas performs with National Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center<br /><br /><strong>Culminating Special Concert at a Historic Venue</strong><br />Inspired by the likes of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei_l3h4J-Ck"><strong>Nas</strong></a><strong>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybEBUHbiK48">Kanye West</a> </strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw8i70TLq6Y">Jay-Z</a></strong>—each of whom has performed with orchestras at iconic venues—, MVWAT will culminate with a concert in which these young people will perform in front of family, friends, and music lovers at a chamber music hall.  The students will work through dress rehearsals and final preparations for the main event. Archie will also present a special performance of his new hip-hop/classical project, <strong>I Like To Be Wierd</strong>, accompanied by a six-piece ensemble.<br /><br /><strong><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39317906_1558889975992383_r.jpeg" alt="39317906_1558889975992383_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /></strong><strong> Where the Children Will Perform: The Reinberger Chamber Hall at Severance Hall<br /><br /></strong><strong>WHY WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTION<br /></strong>In order to provide this magnificent, life-changing experience for our students and attendees, we are asking for financial support from the wider community. It is the goal of MVWAT to end with a culminating concert at the iconic, historic Severance Hall, located in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood.  <strong><br /><br /><br />Your contributions will help cover the cost of the following:<br /><br /><br /> -Instructors providing musical lessons to the students <br /><br /><br />-Production of a short film documenting the students’ experience throughout the project; <br /><br /><br />-Renting the final performance venue, hiring staff including front of house, engineers, instrument rental<br /><br /><br />-Compensation for the six musicians and composer working with Archie for the final performance of “I Like To Be Wierd” <br /><br /><br />-Rental of formal clothing for the student performers<br /><br /><br />-Free attendance for family and friends at the culminating concert  <br /><br /><br /><br />WHY DO WE BELIEVE MVWAT IS SO IMPORTANT?<br /><br />MVWAT is a breakthrough project, a bridge spanning multiple concepts and communities. It aims to open doors and make new links, connecting....<br /><br />—inner-city kids to exciting but unfamiliar forms of music;<br /><br />—students to their own untapped creativity;<br /><br />— the wider African American community and the classical world... in Cleveland and beyond <br /><br /><br />Please join us in supporting this unique, potentially life-changing project.<br /><br /><br />Thank you for your support, time and consideration!!<br /><br /><br /></strong><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39317906_1558889207890950_r.jpeg" alt="39317906_1558889207890950_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><strong>About Peel Dem Layers Back</strong><br />Peel Dem Layers Back was founded by Hip-Hop artist and Mental Health Advocate, Archie Green in November of 2016.  PDLB which Archie is turning into a nonprofit organization, blossomed from the inspiration of Archie's song "Layers," which he wrote shortly after being clinically diagnosed with depression.  "Layers" gives Archie's perspective on living with depression, and how therapy and mental health has saved and changed his life.  The song which premiered at VICE garnered over 25,000 streams in its first two weeks, which motivated Archie to use hip-hop as a vehicle to promote mental health awareness.<br /><br />The mission of Peel Dem Layers Back is to educate, empower and equip individuals with basic tools necessary to live a mentally healthy life.  This is done while using the culture of Hip-Hop as a vehicle to create a safe space for predominantly black and brown communities to publicly share personal testimonies.  Programs consist of mental health workshops, open forums and live performances. The overall goal of Peel Dem Layers Back is to bring awareness of mental health to black and brown communities in efforts to normalize treatment and break the stigma.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39317906_1558889135258184_r.jpeg" alt="39317906_1558889135258184_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><strong>About Archie Green</strong><br />Dream Chaser. MC. Creator Extraordinaire. Cleveland, Ohio rapper Archie Green is a dream believer. But more than that, he’s a “dream, then wake up and go-getter.” Green’s pen game is twenty years strong, coupled with a business acumen he picked up while attending <strong>Morehouse College</strong> and eventually <strong>NYU Steinhardt</strong> for Music Business.<br /><br />Archie is also an advocate for mental health, having himself been diagnosed with clinical depression. His introspective single, "Layers," which premiered at <a href="http://www.vice.com/read/rappers-talk-about-depression-and-hip-hop-456">VICE</a> , garnered over 25,000 streams in 2 weeks. The 34 year old artist has begun to host more dialogues on mental illness with Peel Dem Layers Back, a Hip-Hop centered workshop to promote mental health awareness. Archie has been featured on various other local, national and international media outlets including <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0498f5m">BBC News,</a>  <a href="http://marblesmag.com/issues/issue-1/">Marbles Magazine</a> , WKYC Channel 3, WCPN Ideastream, <a href="https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2017/01/archie_green_cleveland_hip-hop.html">Cleveland.com</a>, and Cleveland Scene. His most recent noteworthy accomplishment is being selected as one of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc83uUlAfkP/?taken-by=archie_green">Cleveland </a><a href="https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/people/articles/most-interesting-people-2018-archie-green">Magazine's 2018 Most Interesting People.</a> His most recent project, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/archiegreen/sets/the-black-pharaoh-ep-1">The Black Pharaoh EP,</a> <strong> </strong>is available on all streaming platforms.

My Violin Weighs A Ton: Hip Hop Orchestra

<p>As Nikki's friend Laura Wimbels so perfectly stated, "Nikki wasn't just my friend or your friend, she was Cleveland's best friend."<br /><br /><br />We are all incredibly shocked by the tragic and sudden loss of Nikki, and while we collectively grieve, our community is also working to support to her mother Jo (and cat Sadie), her boyfriend Bob, and her cats who she adored, Phoebe and Bailey. <br /><br /><br />For updated news on the investigation of Nikki's passing, please refer to this article, which continues to be updated. We ask that out of respect for Nikki's loved ones, that you do not ask questions regarding her passing on this page. <br /><a href="https://bit.ly/2PpzvXl">Updates on Nikki's investigation are here</a><a href="https://bit.ly/2PpzvXl"> </a><br /><br /><br />All money raised from this GoFundMe will be spent first on memorial services, and then on whatever Jo and Bob need going forward to care for themselves and their cats. We believe that Nikki would have it no other way.<br /><br /><br />We will also be posting updates for other in-person fundraising opportunities, as well as public memorial services, should they arise. <br /><br /><br />A candlelight vigil will be held on Thursday:<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/560720527722181/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&amp;notif_id=1542078969718471">Click here for candlelight vigil info</a> <br /><br />The first in-person fundraiser will take place on Friday, November 16th at The Side Quest in Lakewood starting at 5pm.<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/285579815399379/">Raffle/auction Fundraiser at The Side Quest</a> <br /><br /><br />Thank you for your love and support during this incredibly dark time.<br /><br /><br />Gofundme asked that the folks behind this campaign identify themselves to ensure that this is not a fraudulent campaign. This campaign is being run by two Cleveland business owners who are friends of Nikki's-- Melanie Hersh of Music Saves and Rachel Kacenjar, former owner of Re/Dress. We are working alongside Brandi McElhattan Woodward, Nikki's close friend who has been identified as such in many news outlets, and Robert O'Lexa, Nikki's boyfriend, to coordinate the allocation of these funds. Robert O'Lexa will be withdrawing the funds in his name and splitting the funds with JoAnn Ullman for use in the manner described above.<br /><br />Photo of Nikki by Laura Wimbels<br /><br /><br />
</p>

Memorial Funds For Nikki Delamotte

<p dir="ltr">My parents, Ed and Kathi, have been through a lot of challenges the last 31 years of their marriage. They have always been the type who put their three children, six grandchildren, and multiple dogs and kitties first. They would put others before themselves and would never ask for anything other than prayers and good wishes. As a last resort, my sister and I have decided to make this account on their behalf because the truth is  they need help to save their home before the bank starts forecloser.</p>
<p dir="ltr">My dad was laid off from Goodyear back in 2002 and ended up retiring since he had over 30 years with the company as a Mechanical Engineer. Right after he was laid off my dad had a blood clot in his leg and it traveled to his lungs where he had a pulmonary embolism and was in ICU for a few days. Fast forward to 2010, my dad had a freak accident that should have killed him. He fell through a sink hole in our yard while gardening which led directly to our septic tank. By some miracle, my mom heard the fall and was able to hold onto him while she yelled for help and the neighbors came. My dad was nearly completely submerged in the septic tank and was unconscience by the time Emergency Services arrived. He later spent time in ICU again and developed CPOD from the methane gases. The medical bills have definetly added up over the years, not only for himself, but my mom, who needs a double knee replacement, along with having fibromyalgia, arthritis, asthma, and migraines. Throughout all of this, my parents, have watched my sisters kids since they were born during the week.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Over the years their youngest daughter (Annie) has suffered from multiple illnesses, that has resulted in over 20 surgeries and multiple other procedures that involved a trip to the OR, including nights spent in the hospital. One of these surgeries included having to travel to Atlanta, GA, to find one of the top endometriosis specialists that performed excision. While this $25,000 surgery was successful for removing the endometriosis, I lost both of my fallopian tubes due to a prior surgerons failure to notice the infection in my fallopian tubes forming from the laproscopies performed 3 and 9 months prior.  These surgeries were nearly every year during high school and continued to  1-3 a year during college, including also losing my appendix and gall bladder. I am now having a different type of surgery on my bladder twice a year (for the last 3 years), and will probably need more in the futre because of debilitating pain. I had to quit working a couple years back due to the pain and because I developed an NSAID allergy that destroyed the lining of my bladder and finding out I have interstatial cystitis, along with the nerve damage caused from all of my endometriosis surgeries, fibromyalgia, and chronic migraines, that has left me unable to drive. My parents have taken me to countless doctors appointments and have waited in the OR waiting room more than any parent should ever have too, let alone watching their child not be able to live the life they wanted to live. This short paragraph really is a short cliff notes version of my health and not nearly everything I have been through since birth.</p>
<p dir="ltr">About 2 years ago, my dad decided that he had to go back to work because it was getting harder to pay the 2nd mortgage that they had to take out on the house. When the recession hit, it hit our household hard, especially with the medical bills piling up, health/home/car insurance, utlities, income taxes, etc. He wasn't able to get a consulting job until last April, where he lived in Virgina for 3 months working at the Goodyear-Danville plant supervising some project that was being built. He was supposed to go to South Africa, then India, and maybe Mexico afterwards but all of these plans/projects fell through and he is currently laid off - along with others at the firm (its a group of Goodyear guys that were laid off back in 2002). Every couple months they say a new job will be somewhere, and then it falls through. We start to get our hopes up that a prayer is being answered and then reality crashes in on how we will pay for food next week. Everything would have been ok if none of these lay offs would have happened, because the mortgage and bills would have been abled to be paid, but we are living on his social security check, which isn't much more than 1 house payment.  He also ended up having an infection his toe last July, where he had to have it amputated before it spread farther up his foot. My dad has been calling headhunters around the country along with applying for jobs and working with the bank to try and lower the bank payments, which they won't do until he is back to work. Each day we pray that a call will come through for him to go out on the job again, or for someone to set up an interview. We are trying to sell my dad's 1984 Toyota Supra which hasn't been driven since 2002, and they have started selling off their collectables and jewelry to make house payments, along with myself giving my parents my entire savings that I saved up before I had to quit working. My mom has had to also drop her health insurance because she is not 65 yet and does not qualify for any type of aid. I don't know how she does it daily because she needs multiple daily prescriptions that she has had to cut back on or find GoodRX coupons for and is unable to visit the doctor or get her knees replaced. We have also cut back on all of the utilities that we can but are still unable to make the house payment along with the property taxes that need paid. We have nowhere to go if the bank starts foreclosure and will not have the money to move, along with having to find a place for 5 dogs and 5 cats - 8 of them are seniors. We could never give up our 20 year old cat or 14/12 year old pugs, and our strays - one cat which in remission from luekemia. At the time my parents never imagined that this would of happened or we never would have adopted another member of our family.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You always try to plan for when a hardship happens, but sometimes, they keep happening and you just can't dig yourself out of the hole. It's hard to ask for help, especially with my parents because they want to be able to fix this on their own. On behalf of my parents, I am asking for help, because I know they never would. Our extended family is unable to help out and I know they would probably not be happy with me for going public with this. We are asking for prayers and at least $3000 by the end of this weekend to send to the bank by July 11th so they won't start foreclosure. I am terrified for the coming months and wish there was more that I could do to physically be able to help them, because they have always helped us when the time came to it.<br /><br />**We have talked to the bank and originally it was $1500 and they are trying to give us more options that if we pay $3000 ASAP, and we can continue with the half payments it will help. PNC never gave this option to my dad when he asked for all of his current options and are now telling us this now. The $7600 and is the full amount of back payments. We greatly appreciate everyones donations and we are forever thankful to each and everyone of you that has donated, shared our page, and continue to like our posts to increase how many people we reach. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. </p>

Save My Parents Home

Dear family and friends,<br /><br /><br />We are heartbroken to share with you all that Deanna was diagnosed with cancer on October 11, 2016. She will be turning 26 years old this November 11. It has been so difficult to accept that Deanna has been unknowingly fighting this when only a month ago we all shared in her joy as she married the love of her life, Sonny Pisano. Cancer is never easy to accept, but it is exceptionally hard to imagine for those of us who know what a kind, giving, and radiant person Deanna is. She has already amazed us with her strength and positive spirit as we begin to fight this together. Please keep the positive thoughts and prayer coming her way, and use this site as one way to support her. <br /><br /><br /><br />As of Oct. 18, Deanna is recovering from surgery as well as can be expected. Her diagnosis showed one colon tumor and three liver tumors, and we are relieved to share that the largest tumor was removed on Monday, Oct. 17. Doctors removed the majority of her colon to prevent possible new cancerous cells from growing, and in the future her doctors plan to treat her liver tumors through chemotherapy and embolization to shrink and eventually remove the cancerous portions. Deanna will recover in the hospital this week, and will begin chemotherapy in about a month. While she will have many obstacles to overcome in the near future, we are hopeful. Deanna is surrounded with people who love her beyond words and we are all rallying to support her in every way possible.<br /><br /><br /><br />Deanna’s career led her to become a nanny for Cleveland Clinic Dr. Sricharan Chalikonda, who is now overseeing her care and advocating for her every step of the way. We are blessed beyond words that his specialty is Surgical Oncology at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. Sri has been incredibly supportive and helpful, bringing in the best surgeons and observing all procedures. His wife Stephanie is also partnering with Sri to support Deanna; she is a nurse anesthetist at Cleveland Clinic. Stephanie has taken time off and has now recruited family members to care for their children. They consider Deanna a part of their family. We are comforted to know that she is in the best hands possible.<br /><br /><br /><br />To quote Sri,<br /><br />“Deanna, this has been growing inside you, in my home, as you raise and educate my children. You taught Symon (their youngest son) to read; I can take care of this for you”. We are grateful God has placed the Chalikonda family in our lives at this critical time.

PositiviDEE For Deanna

This is Tim.  He’s my brother-in-law.  But above and beyond that, he’s a son, and a grandson, and an uncle, and a friend, and an artist, and the co-owner of a small art gallery in Canton, OH, and perhaps most importantly, a legitimately good person.  <br /><br />Last night, Tim stepped outside of his art gallery to kindly ask that the two drunk men urinating on the side of the building please leave.  They beat him unconscious, robbed him, and left him for dead.  Sometime later, he regained consciousness and crawled inside to find the gallery abandoned for the night, but he managed to make it to the community garden out back, where a stranger spotted him and called 911.  <br /><br />Presently, he’s recuperating in the neuro unit at Aultman Hospital in Canton, OH.  His brain is swollen and bruised, but the bleeding has stopped and the doctors expect a full recovery in time.  <br /><br />Unfortunately, Tim is one of the 28.6 million Americans who remains uninsured—not because of recklessness, or a belief that he’s invincible, but rather because a monthly health insurance payment is the difference between him keeping his gallery open and being forced to shutter it.  <br /><br />Nevertheless, he’s currently suffering a subdural hematoma, and his injuries have necessitated ambulance transportation, two CT scans, stitches, pain meds, and at least two days’ worth of round-the-clock medical observation and hospitalization.  Needless to say, the medical bills will be substantial.  To add insult to injury, the assailants stole his phone and his wallet, and three weeks ago, in a completely separate incident, thieves broke into his gallery, damaged his front door, destroyed a couple pieces of property inside, and stole his laptop.<br /><br />For those of you who don’t know Tim, the closest comparison I can draw is to George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," or Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day” (not at the beginning of the film, when he’s a jerk, but at the end of the film, when he goes about his day helping everyone in need and making Punxsutawney a little bit brighter).<br /><br />Since I’ve known him, Tim has lived in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, but despite the fact that staying in a big city might have afforded him more exposure as an artist, he chose to return home to Canton, OH, and open a small art gallery in a foreclosed building downtown, because he wanted to give back to the community where he spent his most formative years.  <br /><br />Since then, he and his fellow artists have painted murals downtown in an effort to encourage urban renewal.  They’ve provided free art classes for low-income youth and developmentally disabled adults.  He has donated artwork to charity, and become one of the central figures in Canton First Friday—an initiative to bring families downtown to celebrate and support local business on the first Friday of every month.  And he does all of this not because it’s lucrative, or because he seeks attention, but because it matters.<br /><br />I’m sure that when I mention he’s the co-owner of an art gallery, it conjures a certain picture, but the fact of the matter is that Tim lives at home with his 95-year-old grandmother.  He drives a used car old enough to drive itself.  He dresses modestly and lives simply, and whenever he has a penny to spare, he offers it to those in need.<br /><br />Today, that person in need is Tim, and for those of you reading this—friends, family, colleagues, and concerned strangers—I humbly ask that you give what you can.<br /><br />The purpose of this GoFundMe page isn’t to change Tim’s life, because frankly, it doesn’t need to be changed.  He’s got friends and family who love him, a roof over his head, a small business he’s passionate about, and more talent that I can possibly describe.  But what he could use right now is a helping hand, just as at one time or another, I suspect we all will.<br /><br />Any donation—no matter how small—is greatly appreciated, and all funds will go directly to pay off Tim’s medical bills and help him replace his stolen property.<br /><br />Thank you.

Help Tim Get Back on His Feet 

The news of Ali's tragic passing over the holiday weekend continues to leave many of us without words. Please join myself and my fellow Delta Gamma sisters by using this page to help raise funds for any costs that Ali's family will encounter in the coming days. <br /><br />She was such a beautiful, fun-loving, and bright young woman and her impact on the lives of those around her will never be forgotten.

Lauren Kotmel

Lauren Kotmel

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