<div>Most people don’t realize this, but last year I ran my speech therapy clinic, and didn’t make a profit.
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<div>I’m a mom first, a speech therapist second, and a business owner third. That third one can feel really heavy sometimes. The way the system is set up, it can sometimes feel darn near impossible.
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<div>I’ve dedicated my life to serving children with complex needs and the families who love them. It’s work I care about deeply, work that truly means so much to me and my team.
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<div>But the hard truth is, every year it’s getting a little harder to keep it all going. Last year was the first year I didn’t turn a profit.
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<div>Some of my team made more than I did—and they absolutely deserved to.
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<div>I’ve always wanted to create a space where therapists feel valued, supported, and able to build a life, while also making therapy accessible for families who need it. But the system makes that really hard. Insurance denials are increasing. Reimbursements are decreasing. And recently, our rent increased without notice, adding to our overhead costs.
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<div>If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m not someone who gives up.
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<div>I might feel discouraged for a moment, but I keep going.
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<div>And so much of that is because of this community—you all truly mean more to me than you know.
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<div>So I’m going to ask for something a little vulnerable. My birthday is in 11 days, and if you’re in a place where you can, I’m asking for support to help give us a little cushion as we keep showing up for these kids and families.
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<div>Please don’t feel any pressure at all—your support, your presence here, your kindness… it all matters so much. But if you are able, it would mean the world.
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<div>Your support helps kids access the therapy they need, supports therapists doing meaningful work, and helps us keep spreading the sunshine.
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<div>I’m so grateful for you. Truly.
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Help Sunshine Speech Therapy Keep Going

<div>Hello folks! I'm Jeff D, a grad student raising money to finish my thesis film in New Orleans.
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<div>I'm 48, so I have no time to waste, and am taking this opportunity to do something different than the short films made by most students: I'm making a feature film - a campground slasher called <em>The Teenage Mistletoe Massacre</em> - that I can use to introduce myself as an independent filmmaker on the scene and, hopefully, give audiences a movie they enjoy.
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<div>Killing teenagers on screen is EXPENSIVE, and EVERY DONATION COUNTS, so thank you thank you thank you for helping us out and I cannot WAIT to show you the finished product!
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<div>Jeff D
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Help Jeff D Make His Slasher Movie!

<div>Hello, my name is Martha. I'm starting this GoFundMe for my sister.
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<div><strong>My niece is currently in the ICU &amp; we don't know how long this will be for, meaning my sister will not be working.</strong> Unfortunately, bills never stop. I know times are hard for everyone right now, but anything is appreciated. Thank you.
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<div>Hola, me llamo Martha. Estoy empezando este GoFundMe para mi hermana.
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<div>Mi sobrina está actualmente en la UCI y no sabemos cuánto tiempo será esto, lo que significa que mi hermana no estará trabajando. Desafortunadamente, las facturas nunca se detienen. Sé que los tiempos son difíciles para todos en este momento, pero cualquier cosa es apreciada. Gracias.
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<div><strong>update: our sweet Jocelynn went to heaven February 8th. no parent should have to burry their child under these circumstances. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference. It will not only help with funeral expenses it will also help my sister and my 6 nieces/nephews. We appreciate it ❤️‍</strong>
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<div><strong>Actualización</strong>: <strong>nuestra Jocelynn fue al cielo el 8 de febrero, ningún padre debería tener que enterrar a su hijo en estas circunstancias. Su contribución, sin importar cuán grande o pequeña sea, marcará una diferencia significativa. No solo ayudará con los gastos funerarios, sino que también ayudará a mi hermana y a mis 6 sobrinas/sobrinos. Te lo agradecemos ❤️‍</strong>
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<div><strong>Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and shared this fundraiser—because of your kindness, we were able to reach our initial goal and provide immediate support for my sister and her children. In light of ongoing expenses and the challenges ahead, we have decided to raise our goal to further assist with funeral costs and living expenses for my sister and her kids. Every contribution, no matter the size, continues to make a meaningful impact. If you’re able, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could share this fundraiser with your friends, family, and networks. Your support means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you. ❤️‍</strong>
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<div><strong>Muchas gracias a todos los que han donado y compartido esta recaudación—gracias a su generosidad, logramos alcanzar nuestra meta inicial y brindar apoyo inmediato a mi hermana y sus hijos. Debido a los gastos en curso y los desafíos que aún enfrentamos, hemos decidido aumentar nuestra meta para ayudar aún más con los costos del funeral y los gastos de vida de mi hermana y su familia. Cada contribución, sin importar el monto, sigue marcando una gran diferencia. Si pueden, les agradeceríamos muchísimo que compartieran esta recaudación con sus amigos, familiares y contactos. Su apoyo significa el mundo para nosotros, y estamos profundamente agradecidos con cada uno de ustedes. ❤️‍</strong>
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Jocelynn Rojo Carranza fighting for justice

<div>This Go Fund Me has been created for the Cadiz Family, whose wife, Colleen, has been battling an aggressive cancer since 2019. At her most recent appointment at the cancer center, she received the discouraging news that the metastasis is occurring faster than her current chemotherapy treatments can contain, and is awaiting a 3rd biopsy to determine if there is now a 2nd type of cancer within her neck. As of Colleen’s recent PET scan in April, her cancer has metastasized to her abdomen, lungs, liver and neck despite currently being on an oral chemotherapy pill &amp; a monthly IV chemotherapy drug. Because of a tsunami of increasing medical bills, the Cadiz Family could use help with additional funding for Colleen’s continuous care, with donations going towards medical copay’s, house cleaning, family meals &amp; any other unforeseen future expenses, as Colleen is frequently too sick from treatment to contribute to any of these daily functions.
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<div>Colleen has always loved shepherding a local Little Free Library in Watsonville as well as helping her local community through various non-profit volunteering when she’s felt physically well enough to, but will likely need to step back from volunteering once her oncology team determines the next stage of treatment after the upcoming biopsy. Her husband Will is an active member of their local church as well as a board member for their daughter’s school, and works incredibly hard to carry their family through this continuing crisis. Their daughter Ari is an exceptional 10 year old who loves her classmates, and excels in her love of skating, drawing and voracious reading. You can find Colleen on Instagram under @the_stealthy_book_mama where she shares her love of children’s literature, as well as occasional updates on her tempestuous battle with cancer.
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<div>While we’re hopeful that the upcoming biopsy will grant her oncology team a clearer picture of what new treatments to try going forward, the emotional trauma of these last 4 years of treatment continues to weigh heavily upon Colleen’s family, and they would be immensely appreciative of any financial support given to help alleviate the ongoing struggle.
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<div>6/6/23 Update:
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<div>Colleen had her biopsy done today for the tumor near her neck. Due to pain, she’ll be resting for the next couple days. She will be reviewing the results next week when she sees her oncologist. She will update us with the new treatment plan then.
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Colleen Cadiz’s Cancer Journey

<span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">Folks- I am so excited to show you the films I've been working on, but movies are EXPENSIVE and I need your help to get them over the finish line!<br /></span><br />If you give a minimum of $50, you get a special thanks and your name in the credits of my film, BIG AXE. The plan is to premiere all of my films together this summer and any donation you can give goes a long way to make that happen!<br /><br />Thank you all so much<font color="#333333"> the </font> for supporting me and my work and I cannot wait to share my movies with you!

Help Me Finish My Movie!

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<div><strong>The story (Updates Below this paragraph): </strong>Romeo was hit by a car around 7 am on 12/15/23, the car sped away with a peice of their car missing. we don't know how he got out and he is sedated and his hip surgery costs $6,700. He belongs to a loving family of 6 including 3 children that love him dearly. The veterinarians won't be able to do anything until $6,700 is payed up front. Anything would be appreciated he is only 4 years old we don't know much about any information. We don't know if he will survive yet. He was confused, scared, and in pain. I'm 16 and this is my first dog. Thankfully, nothing is broken and the doctors said it was truly a miracle nothing was broken. He would need a splint for 6 weeks after his surgery but as i said, they won't do anything until it's payed upfront and anything will be appreciated even $1. Thank you all who donate and it will truly help 12/15
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<div><strong>UPDATE 12/16- </strong>Romeo is going to be discharged from the hospital. We were able to get a loan for $5,000 for the surgery but it its going to need to be payed off. Also... we had to pay $1,700 on top of the loan for them to complete the surgery. His diagnosis was bruising on his lungs and heart, and brain trauma, his road rash is pretty bad and he can't stand or walk, he can barely sit up. From going to the most energetic loving and happy always wagging your tail dog to always having to be laying down, it's hard for him. Thankfully, Your donations are keeping us so positive  Again, if you know anyone who can donate or share to help us pay off the debt for Romeos surgery, COPY THE LINK! 
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Romeo's Hip Surgery

<p>Hello everyone, my name is Nikkole. I'm a young Black queer non-binary trans woman living in Texas. I'm currently living in an environment with my family that has not been fit for my healing and growth as a human being. It's been this way for over 10 years. As such, I am unable to transition or live life in the way that I need to in this household because my family would not be supportive of this phase of my life. The way things stand right now, I'm financially dependent on them, and I need to break away from that so that I can finally have some stability, happiness, and peace.<br /><br />As of this most recent edit, I attended esthetician school from March 29th of this year, and graduated August 30th. I took my state board tests, and now I am finally licensed, which is major progress towards me being able to walk away from this situation.<br /><br />All that I want to do is to dedicate myself and my life's work to benefit Black people and help them feel loved, affirmed and appreciated through my artistry. That is beautiful to me. If and when I accomplish that, even if just one person receives that message that I convey, then I'm successful. I want to do that for as many Black people as I can, through whatever means that seem fit.<br /><br />I’m so much closer to doing this now that I’m licensed. I'm currently seeking a career in the beauty industry as a makeup artist and esthetician, and school assisted in simplifying me achieving employment. I created this GoFundMe in order for other people be able to support me through another method other than my graphics, and it has assisted me greatly throughout my whole journey.<br /><br />The money I received thus far mostly went towards school transportation, because the only way I arrived to school everyday was by taking Lyfts, and that money added up very quickly (I accounted for this in my original goal). However, when I land a job, for a significant amount of time, I'll need to start taking Lyfts once more. I've been working on getting my driver's license, but unfortunately, my local DPS is all booked up and my appointment is next year in January. I will not be able to receive my driver's license until next year. Money donated will go towards Lyfts, and will continue to go towards living expenses, career-related expenses such as my makeup &amp; skincare kit &amp; future studio.<br /><br />The other large portion of money donated to this fundraiser is for my future housing, which would go towards rent, utilities, furnishings, etc. and my transition  -- clothing, hormone replacement therapy, laser hair removal, and gender affirming surgeries (breast augmentation and BBL).<br /><br />You can also donate via:<br />Paypal: theiconick<br />Venmo: @missiconick<br />Cashapp: $theiconick<br /><br />This is all coming from a very vulnerable and genuine place in my heart... I'm very quick to help others, but I feel so guilty when I ask for help myself. However, here I am in this moment.  I want to tell you all thank you so much for taking the time to read about my story, and I hope you have a blessed day.<br /><br />-- Nikkole
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Nikkole's Living & Transition Fund

<font color="#333333">Was recently fired for reading “I Need a New Butt,” to students. It’s a funny silly book. A book that kids love. I am just looking for some help to pay bills while I look for another job. I have two kids with autism and another BPD. Thank you for helping.  We have found an attorney and need help with the fee. That’s why we made changes to this campaign.  We are overwhelmed by the support. We set the original goal thinking only family and friends would be helping. With your support we can now afford to pay the attorney, pay our mortgage, and even the kids medicines. We are so grateful for your support. Thank you</font>

No IFS ands or BUTTS, kids need silly books.

<p>**update** In light of the recent anti-trans legislation pushes and queer-targeted book bannings in many states, this fundraiser is expanding to also support public librarians and educators in need from areas experiencing heavy discrimination as requests come up. Thank you so much for your continued love and support. I'll keep updating with appreciation photos as I can, with the understanding that many recipients may need to remain anonymous for the safety of themselves and their students. <br /><br />************************************************************<br /><br />Hello friends!<br /><br />Red State LGBTQIA+ young people are often less likely to receive support/affirmation for their fully expressed selves at home.  
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<p>Often, this is compounded by overarching local cultural bias and negativity. Queerphobia and transphobia are damaging to children especially and put them at higher risk for trauma, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and suicide. The presence of positive media can be a huge factor in a positive outcome for many young lives. 
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<p>Unfortunately, it's tough to access queer kidlit books without funds, and while libraries are wonderfully diligent in filling the void, it can be nice to have your own copy of a book to wear to tatters! <br /><br />This spring, I'm celebrating a much-awaited step in nonbinary self-affirmation, and many of my friends have generously offered to crowdfund the event in support. However, I've been lucky to have already saved up for a while, and I'd like to do this instead, to celebrate: <br /><br /><strong>I'm reaching out to rural southern libraries, classrooms, and indie bookstores and asking them to start a community-funded queer kidlit free-to-take-box (inspired by the "Gay it Forward" box at Second Star to the Right Books in Colorado pictured below.) </strong><br /><strong><br />Having a book that resounded with me would have made a huge positive impact on me when I was young, and it would mean the world to make sure a few copies land in the hands that might hugely benefit.  I'll keep the fundraiser going until September, when A Touch of Ruckus is released, and then purchase/donate the copies from/to the participating bookstores. <br /><br />(At that point, I'll post updates and receipts to maintain transparency! THANK YOU!!) <br /><br /><br /></strong>
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<p><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54537566_1612999038328740_r.jpeg" alt="54537566_1612999038328740_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />photo: a basket of books with a rainbow sign that reads "These books have been paid for by members of the community to give away to LGBTQ+ youth who aren't otherwise able to access books with LGBTQ characters. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO TAKE ONE, NO QUESTIONS ASKED." <br /><br /><br />
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Rural Queer Kidlit Access: Gay it Forward!

On Monday, August 31st, David Ciaudelli passed suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 51. Dave was a devoted husband, son, brother and friend who loved music and movies and above all else, his daughter, Julianna. <br /><br />We've started this gofundme to help with Julianna's future education costs. Any contribution that you can make will be greatly appreciated.

Julianna Ciaudelli Education Fund

***Update as of 1/27/2020*** THE GOAL HAS BEEN REACHED! Through some offline donations over the weekend, the campaign reached and surpassed the goal. I am so grateful for all of your support in so many different ways. Love to all of you. <br /><br />Original post: Can you help me? Since I took this birthday photo in October, life has thrown a series of curve balls at me, and I've missed each one. A surgery, auto repairs, and heating repairs. I struck out. Currently, I am over $3600 in the hole. I felt too proud to ask for assistance for a few months, but the truth is, I need it. I'm broke, and I don't know what else to do but ask for your help. I've been telling my daughter that we can't eat out (belt-tightening is helping a little), but last week she offered to use her the money in her piggy bank. It killed me. I understand that these bills are ultimately my responsibility. I recognize that no one is under any obligation here but me. I also recognize that I am lucky to have a full-time job with health benefits. Further, I know that there is no simple solution to this. I have been freelancing, and now I am working harder to pick up more freelance work. I have reduced my spending. Now I am reducing it more. I have pretended like I was fine. Now I am being honest with myself. If you decide to help, please know: any amount matters, I will be grateful, reaching this goal will make an ENORMOUS difference in my life right now, and if you have wisdom , advice, or questions, I am open to them. Thanks for reading. Thanks for considering. My best to you.

Marshalling moolah for Marshall

Our friend, Carly J. Dubois, suffered an attack of gallstone<br />pancreatitis on April 19, 2019, and had her gallbladder removed the<br />next day. A second procedure a day later removed a stone from her bile<br />duct. Her hospitalization stretched into a 12th day because of a<br />series of setbacks and complications, including a night when a team of<br />nurses worked aggressively to bring her heart rate down after it<br />escalated and was pushing the 200s for an extended time.<br /><br />Carly is making slow progress recovering and is facing medical bills<br />as well as trying keep up with her regular bills, including rent.<br />Because she's on short-term disability, her income is currently<br />slightly more than half of normal. When she returns to work in the<br />next few days, she'll be working half time and being paid half her<br />usual salary for at least two weeks. The reduced income curtails her<br />ability to pay all of her bills.<br /><br />Additionally, the hospital bill and other charges related to her<br />emergency are coming due and will run into the thousands of dollars,<br />even with her insurance. Because some parts of her body tangentially<br />related to the surgeries are healing slowly, she must go to a clinic<br />twice a week to have them monitored. All of this is in addition to her<br />ongoing gender transition and its related medical components, as well<br />as therapy and related expenses.<br /><br />To keep a roof over her head, any money that comes in right away will<br />go toward rent and necessities, and after that, further donations will<br />be set aside for her medical expenses. <br /><br />If you can help Carly get through this temporary, but critical<br />setback, she and her friends would be very appreciative. Thank you for<br />reading and sharing!

Help Carly with Medical Bills

<p>As most of Lauren's friends know by now, she was hospitalized with a debilitating and tenacious case of viral meningitis. Some of you good people have expressed interest in sending a little help at this incredibly difficult time, for things like groceries, household help and meal delivery while she recovers. I put this together so anyone who'd like to chip in can do so here. <br /><br />(For those seeking a little more info: Lauren was diagnosed with viral meningitis on 3/9/19. Viral meningitis is an infection of the thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and severe head pain and other cognitive and neurological distress. Lauren's condition is complicated by her Common Variable Immune Deficiency, which leaves her susceptible to complications from this type of infection. She has been in and out of the hospital over the past month, and her recovery will involve neurological care and physical therapy. She is also in need of dental work for damage incurred in relation to neurological movement issues. She lives on her own with her cat, Gracie.)
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Love and Assistance for Lauren Becker

Y'all know I don't like asking for help with anything, but I am asking now.  Eric passed away unexpectedly Monday evening. Even though there will not be a funeral per his request, there are still items that need to be taken care of.  He didn't have life insurance due to all of his medical problems. No one would accept him (go figure) lol. Any small amount is greatly appreciated.   Please help.  Everyone is saying "let me know what I can do."  Well this would help out in so many different ways.   <br />Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love y'all!

Erin Entrada Kelly