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>Hi I’m Maze_SpicyPrincess, and I started this fundraiser (with permission from MiniMirandaParker) because one of our community members is experiencing challenges and could use our assistance!
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<div>Her story is private, but due to domestic violence, she is starting a new chapter in life for her and her three children.
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<div>She needs a safe place for them to live, her car has broken down and she needs a good lawyer!
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<div>We’ve enjoyed her scripts that bring us so much enjoyment, but she is more than that! A strong woman and mother as well. And we all know that strong women need help too!
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<div>If you can, please donate. If you cannot, please share this to get as much support for her as we can. All funds are going directly to her.
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Safe Housing, Car Repairs, and a Lawyer for Her Family

<div>I started this GFM in May to help offset some of my monthly costs in honor of my Big Birthday month of June -- turned 50, much to my surprise and the surprise of that statistic I read back in 2020 -- and have decided to leave it up for now because I could sure use any financial help I can get.
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<div>For those who don't know me, my name is A.T. Gruber and I am a writer (essays and plays, mostly) and author of two books, You're Not Edith (2015) and Transference (2022). In January of 2020, I had a recurrence of the breast cancer I was treated for almost ten years earlier, while in my early thirties.
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<div>The cancer was metastatic, stage iv. Treatable, but incurable. Barring a medical breakthrough, I will be a cancer patient for the rest of my life. In 2022, I was hit with a surprise divorce. At the time I was a teacher in Arizona public schools, and utterly reliant on my spouse financially. If you don't know already, Arizona public schools pay just slightly better than the public schools of rural West Virginia.
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<div>My ex and I had been married for seven years. During that time, I had sought to build up finances that had been totaled when I was diagnosed with stage ii breast cancer at the very beginning of my former career as an English professor. I believed we were saving money, and that my paychecks, honorariums, and royalties were being used appropriately.
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<div>In 2022, early in therapy to treat my then active c-ptsd, I learned that financial abuse was a real thing. I lost pretty much everything I had -- or thought I did -- in the divorce when I believed my ex's story that she had also been diagnosed with incurable cancer.  She did not have cancer, but when I still believed she did,  I agreed to a lesser settlement that would let me off all but the medical debt, and allow me to keep my Arizona Teacher's Retirement fund -- which was just about enough to help me move back to Chicago, replace furniture, kitchenware, and other necessities I left behind in Arizona. Just enough to pay my rent and bills, to get my meds, to get set up at a cancer center, get a therapist, a psychiatrist, and new glasses until SSDI kicked in. 
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<div>Today, I am on SSDI due to side-effects of cancer treatment. As anyone on SSDI knows, it's really not much -- especially not after Medicare Part C Advantage Plan takes its chunk, and I really, really need that.
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<div>Now that I have the "fancy" Medicare, most of my healthcare bills are covered. I am left each month with 2,000 from which to pay my share of the rent ($950), pay my share of the electric, gas, and internet (roughly $100 per month), buy groceries (a billion dollars?), cat food and litter, afford my co-pays for my mental health treatment ($40 per visit, twice monthly with one, once a month with the other), and Ubers/Lyfts when I don't feel up to taking public transportation (I don't have a car). And those are just the recurring costs of my life.
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<div>I've done a ton of work on my mental health and wellbeing in the years since my divorce. I still have stage iv cancer, I still have no savings, but what I've managed to repair on the inside has saved my life in ways that no money or medicine or single person could have done.
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<div>This year, I finally feel mentally and spiritually well enough to work on my third book of essays. So I'm doing that. I also feel clear enough to start rebuilding financially, as best as I can.
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<div>While I stopped working full-time in the classroom, I never stopped working. Writing gigs, speaking engagements, comp classes, creative writing courses, tutoring, babysitting, playwriting, planning for another book -- I have been working. But all the little gigs and temporary/part-time work didn't pan out to much, and often left me even more exhausted than I was feeling at the end of my time in the classroom.
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<div>After I was diagnosed with stage iv cancer, I taught another year and a half before the side effects of oral chemo, androgen blockers, infusions started making themselves known in ways that suggested I was not going to be long for this work. And that broke my heart because back then, classroom teaching, especially with teens and adolescents, was my favorite work besides working on writing projects that were mine.
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<div>When my ex left, and I kind of lost myself, and my mind, and all my money, I decided to swallow my pride and accept that perhaps I was now one of the millions of Americans who needed the help of SSDI. So I took that help. And while it is not much, it's been enough to sustain me during times when I really do feel too ragged to work, to create, to labor.
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<div>In a kinder and more just country, SSDI payments would be higher, rents lower, and we'd have single payer healthcare. Alas, that's not the country where we live. The reality is I am a fifty year old cancer patient, who takes oral chemo 21 days a month. I get tired sometimes, but I still have to make money somehow.
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<div>At fifty, I am finally in a headspace, and a homespace, to do what I had considered doing back in 2022 -- start my own creative writing consulting practice, offering teens and adults one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and customized lessons on various topics relating to the arts &amp; humanities. I don't yet have a website (forthcoming), but I already have three clients. This is promising.
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<div>In addition to the work I'm doing to get the consulting practice off the ground, I am teaching part-time as an adjunct, and freelance editing. I am trying to leave plenty of time, also, for me to complete my third essay collection that means so much to me.
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<div>And yet still, I am living hand to mouth. A lot of people are right now, in America, and I am far better off than many. I have loving friends, a safe and comfortable apartment, food in the fridge, a damn good oncologist . . .
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<div>There's better causes you could donate to than mine. But if you do decide to contribute, I want to let you know that the contributions not merely help me pay my bills, my co-pays, and get a new pair of glasses (haven't had the extra $ for a pair since 2022), but they provide me with a peace of mind that is invaluable. It's hard to teach, to help, to write when my mind is overburdened by an overdrawn bank account.
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<div>One goal for this year is to put together a life for myself where I am earning enough money, by using my talents and years of experience, to no longer have to ask others for money. The idea is to get enough clients through my new consulting practice, and enough adjunct work to have a little extra left over each month, while also not literally killing myself. Ideally, I can shake out a work life that makes room for the type of rest, relaxation, and care that are necessary for me as a cancer patient, a writer, a teacher, and a human being who wants to stay healed and healing.
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<div>Any donation would give me a little more headspace to dedicate toward my intention of building an income that might even allow me to be a donor sometimes instead of the one asking for donations. That would feel great.
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<div>Thank you for reading what might be the longest GFM "story" ever.
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<div>If you want you can follow me on Substack -- agruber -- or just keep following me here, wherever it is that you're following me, and know that I can most definitely accept good thoughts, healing vibes, warm wishes, funny jokes, and book/music/movie suggestions in lieu of a monetary donations.
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<div>- A.T. Gruber
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Help Gruber Celebrate a Milestone Year

<div>My name is Heather, and I am in need of your help. My dog Milo is undergoing surgery for an intestinal blockage, and I have run out of funds to cover the costs. 

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<div>In July 2023, after more than 40 years of continuous employment, I was part of a large layoff at my university in Southern California. As a single person and sole provider, even with a few months of unemployment support, I depleted my savings covering rent, car payment, COBRA insurance, utilities, car insurance, etc. 

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<div>After months of job searching and interviews, in April 2024, I started working at a new university -- however -- I make one-third of what I used to make. I am currently working 3 jobs at age 57 to make ends meet, trying to get to 62 and retirement. I live paycheck to paycheck.

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<div>I have started gradually rebuilding savings, but it is very difficult. Two weeks ago, I needed to replace all four tires on my vehicle, which depleted much of what I had been able to put away in savings.

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<div>Milo and I have been together since he was 5-weeks-old. He is my world. I have so far spent $2,000 of my November 1 paycheck to his vet bills: $960 for the initial visit with X-rays, $480 for an ultrasound yesterday, and a $500 deposit for surgery today. I have no funds to cover the remainder of the surgery -- nor do I have funds to get me through to my next paycheck at the end of the month. No funds for car payment, utilities, etc. I was only able to cover rent before this unexpected medical emergency occurred. 

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<div>I would be so grateful for your assistance in helping me to cover the remaining funds and to recoup as much as possible of what I've spent so far. Any amount helps. Thank you so much.

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Support Heather and Milo: Emergency Vet Surgery

<div>Jake Shaw passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024.
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<div>Jake was a beloved friend and family member to countless people. If you knew Jake, you loved him. He was one of the most intelligent, sensitive, easy-going and hilarious people any of us will ever get to meet. His goofy laugh is unlikely to be forgotten by anyone who had the chance to hear it.
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<div>While we process this devastating loss, we're asking for help with the costs associated with Jake's passing. Any amount helps, and please share this fundraiser anywhere you can.
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<div>A celebration of life for Jake will take place on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., at Copper Bottom Bar and Grill, 28836 Silver Lake Road in Salem, WI. In addition, a lantern release celebrating Jake’s life and legacy is planned for Saturday, August 17th, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Fox River Park, 9383 304th Ave, Burlington, WI.
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<div>Thank you,
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<div>The Family of Jacob Shaw
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Jacob Shaw's Memorial Fund

<div>Loving Me is the national trans+ and non-binary domestic abuse service and refuge provider. Founded over 2 years ago by a team of experts, some of whom have over 20 years of experience within the sector, Loving Me was created to offer trans+ and non-binary people a safe space to access domestic abuse support. Loving Me believes that trans+ people should be able to have the choice to either access their local domestic abuse service or a by-and-for service. Though we have been able to carry out our vital work over the past years, in order to be able to expand our services, Loving Me requires more funding to meet the needs of those in the community who are fleeing domestic abuse and accommodate those who require refuge accommodation.
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<div>The recent ruling by the Supreme Court has significant implications for the implementation of the Equality Act 2010. This decision means that women-only spaces will likely be able to legally exclude transgender and non-binary individuals, creating serious challenges for those who rely on domestic abuse services that are typically designated for women. Amanda, Founder of Loving Me said “this ruling presents a significant challenge for our charity and the past week has been emotionally taxing for our community and the services we offer. However, I am optimistic that we will navigate this situation thoughtfully, always prioritising the needs and voices of those we serve.”
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<div>At Loving Me, we are taking significant steps to address this situation. We are calling on the government to create a pot of emergency funding for trans+ victims of domestic abuse so capacity to support people can be increased quickly. We are grateful to already be able to offer a safe space to people who really need it but need funds in order to be able to continue to do this. At Loving Me, we believe that survivors of domestic abuse deserve to live in a space that makes them feel good. This is where you come in... whether you can donate £1, £5 or even more, your donations will make a difference. This funding will help us to continue and expand on our existing provision.
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<div>If you or someone you know is trans+ or non-binary and is experiencing domestic abuse, you can get in touch with Loving Me for support via the <a href="https://www.lovingme.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> or contacting [email redacted] or calling 07902478958.
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Support for Loving Me- Trans NB Domestic Abuse victims

<div>Hi, my name is Jeanette and I am 44 years old.
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<div>Recently, I spent nine days in the hospital after not feeling well for nearly two months. While there, they not only found out I was diabetic, but that I also had suspicious masses on my ovaries. After a full hysterectomy, it was discovered that I had cancer. It had started in my uterus and spread to my ovaries.
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<div>While recovering from the surgery and waiting for my upcoming chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I've found myself unable to go back to work.
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<div>I work as a home health care provider for seniors; a caregiver. I've been in this line of work for sixteen years and I love what I do. It's very fulfilling to be able to not only help people but to also offer some respite and peace of mind to their loved ones. I love what I do and I'm looking forward to feeling strong enough to get back to work once I'm healthy again.
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<div>In the meantime, bills are due, I need transportation to get back and forth to my treatments and there are significant medical expenses. I usually don't like to reach out and ask for assistance, but at this point, I don't have much choice.
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<div>Thank you for reading and any support.
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Stage 3B Endometrial Cancer

Nomcebo lives with her family in Swaziland. She works voluntarily, travelling around schools to provide information about menstruation. She is passionate about ending period shaming and the stigma attached to periods for the health and wellbeing of girls. Nomcebo began doing this part time some years ago, and she has been dedicated to it full time since losing her job in 2018. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56006850_1618242732270002_r.jpeg" alt="56006850_1618242732270002_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />I am a friend of Nomcebo's and I live in the UK. The funds we raise (less platform and transfer fees) are to cover Nomcebo's bus fares, the pads she distributes to the girls, the snacks she takes for them and her own children's school fees. She has two sons and a daughter.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56006850_1618242758679371_r.jpeg" alt="56006850_1618242758679371_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Menstruation Matters by Nomcebo Mkhaliphi

<div>As many know, I will soon be moving back to Chicago. 
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<div>My marriage has ended, I am living with stage iv cancer, and I need to be nearer to my densest concentration of friends and family in order to help myself heal -- emotionally and physically. 
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<div>My plan is to remain in Chicago, and any expenses not used up by the Herculean task of moving cross country (with a dog, during a pandemic) will go toward healthcare expenses as I begin to migrate that piece of my life, also.
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<div>Once settled, I have several concrete plans for earning a living. I am looking forward to starting anew, inasmuch as this is possible. 
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<div>So many friends have asked how they could help:<em> this </em>is how. 
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<div><br />I am loathe to ask for anything (much less money), but when I think about how, materially, I could be helped in this moment, it is through dollars. Dollars will alleviate some of stress and sadness of the move (all moves are stress and sadness, but this one feels much more so to me). 
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<div><br />I love you all. Any bit will help. And if you have no paper monies (like me), I love you anyway, and hope to be the recipient of some vibes, prayers, and well-wishes as I enter this new chapters. I'm already exhausted, and I know it will be good. 
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<div>Be good, 
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<div>Allison 
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Get Gruber to Chicago

<p>Hi family!
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<p>A dear friend of mine, Jen, has come to me in need of immediate help. Her situation is a difficult one, and despite her immense strength she needs a little bit of help right now.
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<p>Jen’s life changed very drastically when her mother died in May of 2019. She’d taken her mom to the emergency room on a Tuesday morning, and she was gone by Thursday. Overnight, Jen became the sole guardian for her disabled sister, Rose, and singularly responsible for keeping a roof over their heads.
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<p>To make matters even more difficult, just three months after their mother’s death, Rose was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer - it is only the seventh recorded case in the world. Over 75% of her liver required removal. Surgery was performed in December 2019, but just months later in March 2020, Rose was additionally diagnosed with HIV, which was and continues to be managed through medication.
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<p>Throughout these major events, my friend Jen continued to work two jobs, manage their home life, and support her sister as a caretaker and provider. Due to her conditions, Rose relies on Jen for financial resources, transportation, housing, legal decision-making, and emotional support. It is a tremendous weight for one person to bear alone. Jen has no family network to rely upon, and has literally been doing everything on her own.
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<p>Jen now spends much of her time working and trying to find resources for her sister, such as transportation and day centers. Despite the financial, emotional, and physical stress -- Jen always tries her best, because she feels that if she does not soldier on, her sister cannot possibly do the same.
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<p>Recently, Jen and Rose’s home has come under the need for major repairs Jen cannot afford, and the future of the roof over their head has become uncertain. Thus, we arrive at today’s campaign.
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<p>Jen can no longer afford her mortgage, despite working both a full-time and part-time job. Her mother was alive when it was purchased, and so in addition to losing her mother, she also lost her mother’s income for what would have been a shared home between the three.
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<p>My friend is a hard-working woman who has done the very best she can without pause, but is still struggling to make ends meet and to secure a safe place for her and her sister.
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<p>To that end, I am asking for you to consider extending some kindness towards a wonderful human being who I know would do the same for anyone in a similar situation. Jen is a gem with a big heart and solid shoulders, but even the strongest amongst us need some help sometimes.
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<p><strong>Anna</strong>
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Emergency Help for Jen and Rose

My beautiful cousin Amanda was brutally attacked and left for dead in her home yesterday.  The reality of it is just starting to sink in, I think we are all still in shock.  As we try to put together the pieces and make it through this, we wanted to start a fund for her and her precious 3 month old baby, Ivy, for the coming onslaught of medical and mental health expenses that will be coming their way.<br /><br />Her medical bills are going to stack up very quickly, I am aware of just a couple things already - She will be in need of extensive facial reconstruction surgery, and a collapsed lung has already been repaired.   She will be unable to go to work for a very long time and will need help caring for her daughter.  Her family has rallied and is asking for help from our community.<br /><br /><strong>Please please, help us to reach our goal!  When she realizes all that has happened, the overwhelming costs of her future should be one less thing she will have to survive.<br /><br /><br /></strong>** Amanda's fiancé has been arrested for this horrible act of violence, I will keep this page updated as we learn more.

Healing Help for Amanda and Ivy

On February 11, the world lost a truly special soul. I know everyone says that after someone dies, but Jenn really WAS one of a kind. She made you feel like family the moment she met you (I've since learned that particular trait seems to come from her Mama Deb) and she was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She did her best and beat the odds for 3 years, but stage IV cancer is a real asshole and that's all I've got to say about that.  <br /><br />A bright light has gone out, and we all have to do our best to fill the darkness her passing has left behind with the things she loved—making new friends everywhere she went, taking care of people in whatever ways she could, making the BEST birthday packages, and celebrating the people she loved every single day. <br /><br />As many of you know, Daniel also died a few weeks ago, leaving Dakota without his mom or dad now, and thrusting Deb into single mamahood unexpectedly. This has been tragedy upon tragedy for them. All Jenn cared about was making sure her people were looked after, always, and this is one small way we can do that for her. <br /><br />Any donation, however big or small, will go directly to Deb and Dakota to help them transition financially into their new life together. These funds will also help cover the costs of cremation and any other associated fees. It isn't cheap to fight cancer, and Jennifer did it for three years.  It can be hard to grieve when you're worried about the next bill coming in. Let's turn all of our love and sadness into positive action and give these two precious souls a little bit of a cushion in Jenn's memory. <br /><br />As always, donate what you're able, and if you're not able, please share! Jennifer was loved far and wide, and I have had so many people ask what they can do to honor the part she played in their lives. This is how you can do that today.

Meaux Conklin

Meaux Conklin

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