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>Update: October 22, 2026</strong>
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<div>A huge, huge thank you to everyone who donated. Nearly one year and a few hiccups after we started this fundraiser, Franky has a surgery date! They were offered a short-notice appointment for tomorrow, October 23rd. 
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<div>Thanks to you, their surgery has been paid for and they have secured some of the post-surgery supplies that they’ll need. They’ve been told, however, that the recovery period will be longer than they expected, which will mean additional expenses such as extended boarding for Clementine the cockatiel. As a result, we’re reopening the fundraiser to try to raise another $1000.
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<div>Franky knows that everyone has already given a lot and they are so very grateful. If you’re not able to support financially right now, please consider sharing this fundraiser and know that we appreciate the help!
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<div><strong>Original post</strong>
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<div>Hi, we’re Claire and Lindsey. We’re members of a close-knit theatre and friend community in Ottawa, Canada. Right now, we’re trying to raise money to help our friend Franky get the top surgery that they need, and we could use your help.
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<div>What should be an exciting opportunity for Franky has come at an unbelievably difficult time. They’re on a limited income, recently lost family members, and their ability to work has been compromised by ongoing family care responsibilities. They've also been hit by a number of expensive vet bills. And to top it off, Franky was evicted from their home of ten years when their landlord claimed to be moving into the unit, then they renovated and re-listed it for rent.
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<div>We can’t explain how much this surgery means to Franky, so we’ll let them speak for themself:
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<div><em>"Hi, my name is Franky. I'm non-binary, specifically, agender.</em>
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<div><em>When I was gathering the photos for this fundraiser I came across one of me wearing a Cinderella dress on what appears to be a completely normal day of grade 2. I wondered how I could’ve explained to that little girl that she didn’t need to be a girl. Maybe if I’d known there was another option, I wouldn't have felt so off-kilter as a kid, as a teenager, and so desperate to be the "right" kind of woman, as a new adult.</em>
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<div><em>I'm 37. It has been a slow road to get here, to accept who I am. I can't wait to wake up in the body I'm supposed to have. I spend my waking hours putting energy into ignoring the existence of my chest, and I'm SO EXCITED to have all that energy back. </em>
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<div><em>Thank you to everyone who has given me a hand getting here. Whether it was a hug, a kind word, the first enby I met, or just someone sharing this fundraiser, I appreciate you."</em>
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<div>Franky means the world to us and to so many in our community: as an artist, as a theatremaker and a dear friend. They deserve our love and support, in whatever way we can provide it.
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<div><strong>We're trying to raise:</strong>
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<li><strong>$4000</strong> for the surgery itself
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<li><strong>$1000</strong> for post-op care and medical supplies
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<div>Having the requisite funds available is required to even schedule the surgery, which we want to help Franky do as soon as possible.
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<div><strong>What can you do to help?</strong>
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<div>Donate!
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<div>AND
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<div>Share widely across all social networks ASAP.
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<div><strong>GoFundMes that receive a lot of attention and support within the first 24 hours are significantly more likely to meet their goal!</strong>
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<div>Thank you so much for reading and understanding how important it is that Franky get access to this surgery that they deserve.
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Support Franky's Top Surgery and Recovery!

<div>
 Hey we’re Parker and Ajax, small business owners in Ottawa, Ontario. Capital Pride told us to leave our tent and tables overnight as there was security monitoring the street. Since we’re both disabled and transporting our equipment is one of the biggest difficulties in running our business, we took them up on the opportunity. Despite the supposed security, our tent and tent weights got stolen. We spoke with several volunteers from Capital Pride and were told there’s nothing they can do to help us with the missing tent, the lost income from today, and the table fee we won’t be able to pay off. We’re making this go fund me to recoup these costs so Parker can pay off his credit card and we can be able to continue running our small business.
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Help us recover from our stolen tent at Capital Pride

<div>Our dear colleague Lise Renaud from Library and Archives Canada is going through an incredibly emotional time, and we’re coming together to support her and her beloved dog, Pepper.
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<div>Pepper recently experienced a sudden accident at the vet’s office that resulted in serious spinal (vertebrae) injuries. To give him the best chance at recovery, he had to undergo major surgery.
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<div><strong>The good news </strong>
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<div>Pepper is a fighter. Thanks to this surgery, he now has a 95% chance of returning to a normal, happy, tail-wagging life. He will need about a month of recovery and care before he’s back on his paws again.
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<div><strong>Why We’re Asking for Help</strong>
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<div>Pepper isn’t just a pet—he’s family. He is also Lise’s emotional support companion, providing comfort, stability, and unconditional love. As a devoted parent to two young adults who face their own unique challenges, Lise relies on Pepper’s presence more than words can express.
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<div>Right now, her focus is on helping her best friend heal and recover.
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<div><strong>Let’s Rally Together </strong> 
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<div>Let’s come together and show Lise how much she is supported. Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference during Pepper’s recovery. And if you can’t donate, sharing this means just as much.
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<div>Let’s help Pepper get back to doing what he does best—bringing comfort, joy, and love every single day.
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<div><strong>Every little bit helps </strong>
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<div>Let’s help Pepper continue his journey back on his paws
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Support Lise & Her Best Friend Pepper through his recovery

<div>I don’t know how to start this. To be honest it feels scary to put this all out there and ask for help but I’m struggling so I'm pushing through that fear &amp; I appreciate everyone taking the time to read, share and support &lt;3
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<div><strong>The TLDR Version:</strong>
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<div>I’ve had my period since <em>JANUARY </em>and its been so abnormally brutally heavy that my blood loss nearly killed me ( my hemoglobin reached 56 and bloodlabs called me at 10pm the same day I had blood drawn to tell me to go to ER immediately. Vital organs start to malfunction at 70-80 and I was feeling it) and I ended up needing 3 blood transfusions, a large Iron Infusion, alot of IV TXA, a bunch of tests/ultrasounds/Pelvics/Biopsy and have been put into Chemical Menopause and on Visanne and TXA tablets to control some of the bleeding (that is lighter but still ongoing). My Endometrial Biopsy showed <em>no cancer</em> but we would have to keep an eye on things due to the abnormally thickened endometrial lining.
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<div>Latest thing is that we have to get my hemoglobin from critical to 120-130 so surgery can happen and I can have a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in Feb &amp; then Uterus will be sent off for testing to see WTF is going on! I have been unable to leave my house much due to soaking through Diva cup + Pad combo anywhere from every 10mins to every hour because of this I haven't been able to take on fall photoshoots and my editing jobs fell through leaving me without an income while my husband takes off more time to help me. Your sincerely appreciated donations will help with the cost of meds ($1200+), Loss of Income/living expenses, Surgery prep/recovery items, resting during recovery time (3-4weeks) and any other needed support that comes up as we navigate this.
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<div>Anything is apricated, YOU are apricated &lt;3
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<div><strong>The <em>long </em>detailed Version ( Shares on my posts on FB and IG throughout allllll this) :</strong>
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<div>My name is Jessica &amp; I have had my period since JANUARY 2023. Heavy, debilitating periods aren’t new to me. It has been that way as long as I can remember but this constant abnormally heavy bleeding has been going on for almost 11 months and the clotting went from large clots to massive often golf ball to small softball sizes and frequent. I decided I’ll share the social media post I’ve shared detailing all of this since Aug for those that want alllll the info.
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<div><strong>Aug 2023- </strong> I got in to see a new Dr who was concerned about heart issues, chest pain, a heart rate that averaged 120-180 from merely standing to walking a few feet, struggling to breathe, dizziness and this constant bleeding with clotting the size for gold balls to small baseballs. He order EKG and Bloodwork ASAP.
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<div><strong>Aug 18th </strong>he called me 23hrs after blood work to tell me that <strong><em>My Hemoglobin is critically low (at 61 ) and as was my ferritin which was 3. When a hemoglobin is 80 or lower your vital organs can begin to malfunction. </em></strong>
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<div>He sent in an urgent request to figure out why and get me iron infusions/ blood transfusions to help boost those levels but my continuous intense blood loss was the main culprit so we need to stop the bleeding. But because I have Chronic Migraine with Aura I can't take a lot of the options (Birth control ) available because they can cause stroke in patients with Aura. So an emergency appointment with GYN to get me into Ultrasound asap to figure out root cause of the severe bleeding and clotting and where to go from there.
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<div><strong>Aug 21st </strong>I Heard from the Internal Medicine Specialist at the Hospital that my new Dr sent Urgent request into, and she wants me in at the hospital a couple days later to figure it all out, at this point nothing had changed but my lips and skin were slightly blue.
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<div><strong>Aug 23rd</strong> we went to the hospital for my appointment with internal medicine specialists. They confirmed pills won't help me at this point (and that GYN has to figure out what's causing such rapid constant blood loss because they won't be able to keep up BUT they had to ask the hospital to approve and cover Infusions ,which she said the hospital did end up approving <strong>(they didn't i had to pay for that when it eventualllllly happened and it was almost $600)</strong> but I have to wait to hear from the department that does infusions for treatment)
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<div>We leave a little defeated as they say it could take a couple weeks to a month despite it being urgent/critical.
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<div><em>***at this point we are frustrated and struggling because I'm not hearing from anyone about my infusions***</em>
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<div><strong>September 26th</strong>
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<div>My husband and I walked downtown to pharmacy. Its a quick walk but takes me much longer now because my HR is always 150-180 when I move around and I feel like I am going to faint. I went to the bathroom right before we left and 10mins later I bled through diva cup and passed a clot the size of 2 golf balls and it pushed diva cup partially out. Then 10mins later started bleeding through cup again and felt diva cup start to push out while I bled through it down thighs to right above my knees. The blood so thoroughly saturated my pants it was frothing. Passed another massssive clot And bled as if I was peeing. Cleaned up and 5mins later passed a golf ball sized clot.
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<div>I'll spare you all the photos I've had to take in hopes of being taken seriously but they are incredibly telling that something isn't f**king right. This is why I don't leave the house it happens every time.
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<div>I've been bleeding for so many months, brutally. Friday is the day I go for more bloodwork to see how the infusion helped with my critically low red and white blood cells, ferritin and hemoglobin only the infusions haven't happened because I haven't heard from anyone at this point yet. It's been a months since specialist told me i needed infusions and despite me calling them and asking why it hasn't happened yet because they told me it was critical and I feel like I am dying they all say they will look into it and call me back but no-one ever calls me back.
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<div>Everything that was Found on Transvaginal Ultrasound came back abnormal. They found:
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<div>- Abnormally thickened endometrium (18.5mm)
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<div>- Uterine Fibroids
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<div>- bulky Cysts
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<div>- PCOS
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<div>-Enlarged Uterus
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<div>Dr told me " all of this can cause abnormally heavy bleeding" and to tell the OBGYN I see in October.
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<div>At this point I'm not living my life, I'm merely existing begging for help to be ignored. I am weak and this just keeps taking from me.
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<div><strong>Sept 29th + 30th</strong>
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<div>Had bloodwork in the morning and Lifelabs called me at 10pm on the 29th to tell me to go to ER because my hemoglobin was at <strong>56</strong> and I was at risk of my heart giving out. Brain and vital organs start to malfunction at 70- 80. (Meaning a month ago when it was 61 I should have been getting this treatment right away not all this waiting)
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<div>ER did their own bloodwork and was given 2 blood transfusions, IV TXA to control my bleeding and
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<div>a postpartum diaper for this unending heavy AF period
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<div><strong>Oct 1-</strong> GYNE decided to admit me to the hospital and after 2 nights at the hospital, I was discharged and am finally home.
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<div>As you all know, I've been battling constant severe/abnormal menorrhagia since January with severe clotting. My excessive blood loss led me to severe iron deficiency anemia , a ferritin level of 3, and a hemoglobin level of 61. 70-80 being at risk for malfunctioning brain and vital organs. Internal Medicine said I needed intravenous iron and then bloodwork. IV clinic never called to get me in for treatment, and bloods were done Friday morning. Friday after 10 p.m., the Blood lab called me worried and stressed that I needed to get to the ER because my hemoglobin dropped 56. Everyone at the hospital was amazing. Triage was like, "You're a mess, Jess," lol. They brought me back and got me a Blood Transfusions of 2 units/bags of Blood and started me on IV TXA. GYN came down to do pelvic with speculum, order a couple of ultrasounds, and then admitted me to gynecology for the night. After the US, I got my own room where I stayed until this morning. They did an Endometrial Biopsy because of the thickened endometrial lining, enlarged uterus, and abnormal bleeding to check for abnormal cells/malignancy. Those results will take up to 2 weeks. Then, I had Lupron shot and IV TXA 4 more times through the day/night to treat excessive blood loss. It has brought my bleeding down significantly to last until the Lupron shot they gave me to help with the bleeding kicks in and hopefully helps for up to 3 months while we figure out why its happening.
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<div>During the pelvic they couldn't see anything and my ultrasounds showed the same as the others, enlarged uterus, fibroid, cysts, polyps which all can cause some bleeding but aren't a definitive answer to this excessive prolonged bleeding/hemorrhaging I am having. We will know more once we get the results of the endometrial biopsy back.
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<div>Had bloodwork this morning, and my hemoglobin is 72, up from 56. It's not the best, but it's better. My ferritin is still low at 3 because I am still waiting on IV Iron from Internal Medicine to happen. Hospital confirm she would call me on Oct 3rd about all that and go from there.
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<div>They gave me a few prescriptions that Shawn and kids have gone to get with my inlaws.
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<div>I also have GYNE appointment on the 19th and a follow up at the hospital in 6 weeks and go from there. If bleeding increases from where it's at RN then I have to go back in so plz send vibes that it doesn't plz.
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<div><strong>Oct 11th</strong>
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<div>Iron Infusion finally happening! 1500mg of monoferric IV Iron for ferritin level of 3 and severe anemia due to constant severe and on going blood loss! Here's hoping it helps
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<div><strong>0ct 16th</strong>
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<div>Ended up back at the hospital because bleeding got insane again and was given Another Blood Transfusion and more TXA in hopes to stop the bleeding that got even heavier over the last 24+ hrs (bleeding through diva Cup + Heavy flow pad combo every hour for over 24hrs straight) Which will again be temporary until we find the cause.
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<div><strong>Oct 18th -</strong> GYNE at the hospital called and want me to after the weekend.
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<div><strong>oct 25th</strong>
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<div>I was called last week to come into GYNE at the hospital for Biopsy results and next steps today. <strong><em>Biopsy came back benign for cancer</em></strong>!!! I would need to come back to keep eye on the abnormally thickened endometrial lining because it <em>could </em>eventually develop to cancer. At this point, I asked when a hysterectomy can happen because this 10+months of non-stop bleeding is ruining my life.
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<div>She was amazing and said she would do it right now if she could BUT because of how dangerously low my hemoglobin was (56) and is now (76) they need it higher so I don't die during surgery . It needs to be 120-130 for surgery, so she came up with a plan right then and there to prescribe me another Lupron shot in Dec, more meds and TXA tablets to attempt to get the bleeding under some control so my body can work on raising my hemoglobin and THEN if all does well with blood work in December I will be having<strong> TOTAL LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY in February!!</strong>
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<div>Then, the uterus will be sent off for testing to find out WTFFFFF.
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<div><strong>NOV 8th-</strong> Since my last update my bleeding is less heavy but still bleeding, just more manageable. I am very dizzy all the time so I sit alot. I have blood work on Friday to see where we are at on reaching that 120-130 for surgery!!
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<div>I haven't been able to work outside the home and my editing jobs fell through leaving me without an income while my husband takes off more time to help me. Your sincerely appreciated donations will help with the cost of meds ($1200+), Loss of Income/living expenses, Surgery prep/recovery items, resting during recovery time (3-4weeks) and any other needed support that comes up as we navigate this.
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<div>Anything is appreciated, YOU are appreciated &lt;3
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</div><img class="m-text-editor-image" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/76431717_1699474489341121_r." width="100%" />
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Support Jessica through Surgery

<div>Sage was adopted as a senior dog in April of 2020. He's a 9 year old 100lb Rottweiler mix (his groomer thinks he has some husky somewhere in there) who originally came from Alberta. Within the first month after adoption, needed a TPLO surgery on his left hind leg to fix a torn ligament. This month, as is common in older pups who have already had one TPLO surgery, the ligament in his right hind leg went and he required a second TPLO surgery asap. The surgery is a major one, and the recovery is a long, painful, difficult process. <br /><br />
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<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59982163_163267329926851_r.jpeg" alt="59982163_163267329926851_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
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<div><br />Sage is one of the kindest dogs I've ever met - he just loves love so much! It broke my heart to learn that he made his way to the rescue as an adult because he was in an abusive home previous to finding his forever home. I can't imagine anyone not absolutely loving this dog.
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<div>The GoFundMe will help cover costs from the $4000 surgery itself, medications, additional purchases like a caged-in pen to keep him safe, a lift harness to help support his weight, follow up X-rays and appointments, and supplies for the long 8-10 week rehab process. All contributions, no matter how big or small, go directly to Sage's recovery - the best buddy you could ever hope for.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59982163_1632673360474224_r.jpeg" alt="59982163_1632673360474224_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
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Help Cover Old Man Sage's Surgery Costs

<p>Hello, my name is Gail Hutchins and on behalf of my family, I am raising funds for my nephew David Wright.
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<p>On August 13th, my nephew David Wright was in a serious ATV accident where he suffered multiple injuries. He is currently in Intensive Care in Kingston, Ontario, where a team of doctors and nurses are working to treat his serious injuries. David has already endured 3 surgeries to date and will still need to undergo several more beginning with the repair of his left arm and shoulder with many other injuries still needing to be addressed.
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<p>David is an incredibly hard working and responsible man, a Christ-follower and an amazing dad to his 13-year-old daughter Mia. He works diligently running his own carpentry and flooring business to provide them with a loving home.
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<p>David has a long road of recovery ahead of him. At this point, he is expected to remain in hospital for several months and isn’t expected to be able to resume physical labour for at the very least one year. Being self-employed, this will add tremendous stress to an already difficult situation.
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<p>We are hoping that the funds raised here will help alleviate some of the stress and financial burden of David not being able to work for an extended period. These funds will also be used towards medical expenses and rehabilitation upon his release from hospital and to assist with any expenses that would allow his daughter Mia to spend time with her Dad.
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<p>We understand that not all are able to give a monetary donation at this time but ask that you will please keep David in your prayers. Any contribution to this fund will be greatly appreciated.
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<p>Thank you.
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Help needed with David's recovery

<p>Hello We are Shina and Caroline Novalinga! We are originally from Puvirnituq based in Montreal. 
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<p>When we heard the recent news of the remains of thousands of children being found at the former Residential Schools, we knew it was a time to grieve and to also give back to our children. Children deserve a happy childhood!!!!! This summer we want to give back to the children of our community located in Puvirnituq, Qc.
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<p>We want to provide bikes to promote physical and mental well-being. Our communities are small and the only gym will be closed for the summer.
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<p>Families often can't afford new bikes for their children because shipping bikes up north is so costly! So we want to surprise them with new bikes this summer with your help.
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<p>Our goal is to provide as many new bikes as we can as soon as possible to children between the age of 5-20.<br /><br />Any donation is helpful and share the message!<br /><br /><br />
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<p><em>Update about the withdrawal and delivery plan:</em>
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<p><strong>Because we raised a lot more than we expected, we will be donating to each community in Nunavik. We will be contacting municipalities from each community (14 of them) in Nunavik. Each municipality has a recreational department that will take care of the funds that we will give by check which will then be used to purchase bikes for the children of the community. All funds will be donated. </strong>
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<p>Nakurmiik/ Thank you!
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BIKE PROJECT for the children of Puvirnituq!

<div>In memory of my parents and my brothers,  I am raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ while Celebrating the Resilience of Indigenous Peoples.
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<div>100% of the funds raised from this fundraiser will go towards supporting two Indigenous organizations I hold close to my heart, Abbey House and Manitoba Metis Federation St.Eustache Local.
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<div>Abbey House is a transitional home for Indigenous women with or without children. Abbey House provides a safe opportunity for transitional living for women and children. Abbey House also supports women through outreach. Abbey House empowers and encourages women to make positive long lasting change. 
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<div>Manitoba Metis Federation St.Eustache Local is Fallon's Metis home community. The local provides cultural and traditional connections for community members. The funds the St.Eustache Local receives are allocated to support the Indigenous youth in the community. 
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<div>My name is Fallon Farinacci, my spirit name is White Thunder Woman. I am a child survivor of MMIWG. At the age of nine, my parents were murdered, while my brothers and I were held hostage for 8 hours, waiting for the RCMP to help. Eleven years later, our family lost my older brother.
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<div>At the time of their deaths, my mother was 36, my older brother was 29, and my father was 37 years old. On September 16th, 2021, I surpassed the age my father was when he passed away, making me the oldest member of my family.
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<div>With deep sadness I am sharing that in November 2023 my youngest brother Clinton passed away before his 37th birthday. 
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<div>Through trauma, pain and sadness, I survived. I am here, using my voice to advocate &amp; bring awareness to MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ people
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<div>Maarsii (thank you) for your donation &amp; for bringing awareness to MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+, while Celebrating the Resilience of Indigenous Peoples.
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Celebrate Indigenous Resilience - Thirty Eight

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/14737989_152897989729332_r.jpeg" alt="14737989_152897989729332_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />I met Angus Wright two years ago in an improv class. He was confident, funny,  outgoing and one of the most caring people I have ever met. We became fast friends.   Little did I know of his daily struggle to just function with every day tasks.  <br /><br />***<br /><br />This is his story:<br /><br />In 2003 he was over 500+ pounds, his health was starting to decline with joint pain and mobility issues. He had severe sleep apnea and a number of other issues that made it difficult to function. In 2008 he had a life changing serious surgery in the hopes to prolong his life. During that time his partner and him moved into their dream home and tied the knot becoming life partners. This should have been the happiest time in his life, however while he recovered from the Duodenal Switch, a number of things came up during recovery. He had severe energy loss, dehydration, anemia, anxiety, pain etc.  He was diagnosed with Post Prandial Hypoglycaemia and a thyroid condition. He also began to struggle  at his work as a bus operator and eventually was placed on Long Term Disability from 2011-2013. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/14737989_1528979974289658_r.jpeg" alt="14737989_1528979974289658_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />In the meantime, with the stress of his health, financial stress a very close friend and roommate was diagnosed with leukemia. Angus stepped in and provided care to his friend. Once he received notice that his LTD was going to end, he was switched to Medical Leave Without Pay. He continued living with chronic pain and unsure of his future he pursued other work options as advised by his employer. <br /><br />He opened up a Community oriented consignment store called 'Le Fripe, C'est Chic' which did quite well.  Unfortunately suddenly his marriage fell apart and he had to vacate his retail space and was forced to go bankrupt due to the end of his marriage. His possessions and home were repossessed. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/14737989_1528980083669861_r.jpeg" alt="14737989_1528980083669861_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />He did not let this effect his life in a negative way but got three part time jobs, one as a personal support for a young man with special needs, provided marketing for a website and worked in another consignment shop. All of this while pursuing his previous employment and an accommodation for his disability. <br /><br /><br />In 2015 he was offered temporary placement with full time hours with his employer which meant he had to quit his other jobs to pursue it. After that term ended he was unable to find another placement and suddenly back on Medical Leave Without Pay.<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/14737989_152898197390879_r.jpeg" alt="14737989_152898197390879_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />In April 2016, he had the opportunity to learn about coffee, and open a new Bridgehead coffee shop location as a shift supervisor. This allowed him to pursue other avenues as he navigated back to work. It was a result of increased activity, healthy food choices and more weight loss that lead to the realization that his deflated thighs is what was causing the pain.  He was able to adjust and reduce his pain significantly which resulted in clearing the restrictions and opened the door to his return to work as a bus operator. In May 2017 he returned, retrained and was back behind the wheel! <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/14737989_1528982127922909_r.jpeg" alt="14737989_1528982127922909_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />As a result in job change, he's increased his weight. Maintaining the weight that leads to less pain comes at the cost of being underweight. Being a healthier weight overall leads to increased pain. Being in the position to make a choice of which unhealthy element to pursue is difficult. He's lost a number days of work as a result of this situation he's in. He just want to be successful. <br /><br /><br />The surgeon who would do the reconstructive surgery estimated that he would have 8-10lbs of excess skin and fatty tissue around his belt line and thigh area.  Under his arms from a deflated chest. The reconstructive surgery would provide a thigh lift, removing the excess and providing him with a normal shape. This would relieve the pressure on his testicles and lead to less or no pain. It would also provide a belt line reconstruction which would help relieve the pain from the excess pushing on his lower back. This reconstruction would also include correcting his chest. <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/14737989_1528979824769386_r.jpeg" alt="14737989_1528979824769386_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />He's lost and maintained 300+ lbs for ten year and has many opportunities to do things he never dreamed possible. But this excess leads to severe distress as he has PTSD, Body Dysmporhic Disorder. It limits what he can do physically as running/jumping and leads to loss of work time. <br /><br /><br />Unfortunately OHIP doesn’t recognize this as something it can approve, even though there would be coverage if he identified as a different gender, if he were female, or if he lived in a different province like Quebec. Angus has been pursuing finding out how to change this in order to help other people in his shoes. <br /><br /><br />Another avenue is self pay, but as a result of the bankruptcy, he doesn’t qualify for financing. Also, on account of the divorce, and rebuilding from scratch, the self pay option isn’t feasible. <br /><br /><br />Needed is $21,500. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/14737989_1528982499356727_r.jpeg" alt="14737989_1528982499356727_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />His plan is to share his story with people. In the course of his recovery from the initial trauma and then from his attempt to do what’s right for his health, he's lost a big sense of privacy. He wants to share that experience, to help people understand people with disabilities, but most importantly he wants to motivate people to know that they can tackle any problem with life, and as long as they keep at it, eventually they will succeed. <br /><br />***<br /><br />Thank you! Share your Angus stories too (you know you have one!)

Melissa Britney

Melissa Britney

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