Paris Hilton

Jimmy  Darts

Flavor Flav

SB Mowing

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Samuel Weidenhofer

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

<div>My name is Chad Williams and I am raising funds for a fellow puppeteer and father Waseem Nasser Al-Hindi. Waseem is a Palestinian theater educator who has been selflessly working with displaced children in Gaza, giving them the tools to help with the psychological trauma of the ongoing conflict.
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<div>Waseem has a wife and four daughters, and though they lost their home and most of their belongings as they were forced to flee many times, he continues to search through the rubble of their former cities for anything useful to build puppets and continue his mission of helping children. They are unable to leave Gaza.
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<div>This fundraiser is organized through UNIMA Internationale who assembled a team of support people and translators in order to help Waseem and his family survive the crucial next six months. UNIMA is the world's oldest theater organization with national centers in 90 countries.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/95521777_176011560112272_r." width="100%" />
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<div><strong>About </strong>Waseem<strong>:</strong>
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<div>"I am Waseem Nasser Ahmed Al-Hindi, a father of four daughters — Jouri (10 years old), Haya (9), Jana (6), and Ansam (3).
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<div>I work in the field of psychological support for children in Gaza, using puppets and theatre performances. Before the war, I had a puppet-making workshop with my colleagues. Together, we built puppets, wrote and directed plays, and presented them while conducting psychological support workshops in UNRWA schools for refugees.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/95521777_1760115642496518_r." width="100%" />
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<div>When the war began, I lost my home early on, and our puppet-making workshop was destroyed. I built a tent from wood and fabric for my family to live in, and another tent to make puppets and prepare plays. We performed in displacement camps, bringing some joy to the children.
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<div>Then, when the bombing intensified again, I fled with my children in the middle of the night. I rented a room in a small house, but soon after, a house across the street was bombed, and our room was damaged. I pulled my family out from under the rubble, all with bruises, fractures, and injuries, and we stayed in the hospital until it was evacuated due to the army’s advance.
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<div>Now, I am living in a room inside an old abandoned house in Old Gaza, praying that my children will survive once again.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/95521777_1760117195808307_r." width="100%" />
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<div>During the coming week, I will return to look after displaced children in a destroyed school so that I can continue providing them with psychological support. But this time, I will involve my daughters in the workshop — so that they, too, can begin to forget the bodies and blood they have seen so recently."
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/95521777_1760115680240053_r." width="100%" />
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<div><strong>How the funds will be used:</strong>
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<div>This fundraiser is solely to help Waseem and his family with food and basic resources. The cost of living in Gaza is extremely high as basic daily needs are growing harder to come by every day.
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<div>From Waseem:
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<div>"The cost of living, especially food and water, has become unbelievably high. I’ll tell you today’s prices, but they go up every single day, especially now that Gaza is completely closed off and nothing is allowed to enter. As supplies decrease, prices keep rising daily until things disappear entirely.
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<div>When that happens, we’ll be left searching for tree leaves and animal feed to make bread from as we did before . God willing, we won’t reach that stage, and may it never happen again."
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<div>Here are the current prices:
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<div>(1 dollar $ equals 3.5 shekels)
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<div>•	1 kg of flour → 20 shekels / $6.11 USD
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<div>•	1 kg of lentils → 15 shekels / $4.58 USD
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<div>•	1 kg of rice → 18 shekels / $5.50 USD
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<div>•	Small can of tuna → 18 shekels / $5.50 USD
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<div>•	1 kg of sugar → 15 shekels / $4.58 USD
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<div>•	Small can of fava beans → 10 shekels / $3.06 USD
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<div>•	Small can of hummus → 8 shekels / $6.11 USD
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<div>•	1 kg of pasta → 20 shekels / $2.44 USD
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<div>•	Less than 1 liter of oil (750 g) → 45 shekels / $13.75 USD
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<div>•	Packet of biscuits → 10 shekels / $3.06 USD
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<div>•	1 kg of onions → 200 shekels / $6.1.11 USD
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<div>•	1 kg of eggplants → 100 shekels / $30.55 USD
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<div>•	One head of garlic → 15 shekels / $4.58 USD
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<div>"These are almost the only items still available in the markets here."
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<div><strong>How </strong>Waseem<strong> will receive the donations</strong>
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<div>The goal right now is to help Waseem and his family survive. The collected donations will be transferred via international wire to a friend of the family, Mohammed Faisal, and then transferred to Waseem, Heba and their daughters. We had to add this extra step because Waseem's national ID was lost / destroyed in the war, which complicates things.
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<div>Thank you.
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Support Waseem Nasser Al-Hindi's Family in Gaza

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<div>We are gathering as a community to honor the incredible life of <strong>Lindsay Abromaitis-Smith </strong>— a daughter, friend, artist, puppeteer, healer, advocate, and fighter. Lindsay is at the end-of-life stage of ALS, a disease she has battled for 13 years with unmatched grace and courage. She is now making her brave choice to pursue medical aid in dying in New Jersey (thank you NJ for making this option possible).
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<div>Her wish: one final celebration of life surrounded by the people she loves and not leave her mom with debt and stress.
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<div>About Lindsay
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<div>Age: 44 years young
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<div>Years Living with ALS: 13
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<div>Beloved companions: Her devoted mother Karen and her two cats
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<div>Her spirit: Creative, funny, and deeply connected to her community
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<div>After a long plateau with ALS, Lindsay’s condition has recently progressed, making every day harder for her both physically and mentally. Yet, she is still thinking of others — planning a final event to bring her friends, family, and community together.
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<div><a href="https://www.unima-usa.org/blog/2025/8/18/bloom-a-celebration-of-the-life-of-puppeteer-poet-and-painter-lindsay-abromaitis-smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">READ MORE HERE ABOUT HER JOURNEY</a>
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<div>Lindsay’s Final Celebration and Timeline
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<div>October 31st — Lindsay’s final party, an outdoor celebration at her home in West NJ. Friends and community will gather under a tent for food, music, and love.
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<div>November 1st — Lindsay’s chosen day of transition, supported by her mother, her cats, and her closest circle.
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<div>November 2nd — Natural burial and ceremony with friends and family, honoring her life and legacy.
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<div>️ Why We’re Asking for Help
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<div>For over a decade, Lindsay and her mom have borne the immense cost of living with ALS — round-the-clock care, specialized equipment, and countless me care giver fund will run out this month, barely covering her final month of caregiver costs.
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<div>This fundraiser will help ensure:
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<div>Lindsay’s final celebration of life on Oct. 31st happens as she envisioned
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<div>Her medical death, natural burial and funeral costs are covered with dignity and care.
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<div>Her mother is not left with additional financial strain during this time
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<div>How You Can Help
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<div>Every donation — no matter the size — will go directly to:
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<div>Event Costs (tent and heat rental - food, supplies): $6500
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<div>Medical doctors and med fees for passing over : $1500
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<div>Funeral/Burial Costs (plot, natural burial): $9000
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<div>Resetting the house from 10 years of in come care: $1000
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<div>If you are unable to give financially, please share this page with others. Your support, prayers, and presence are just as meaningful.
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<div>“What would you do with your last day on Earth, in the body you know to be yours?”
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<div>Lindsay's answer is clear: gather her people, celebrate love, and leave this world with peace after 13 years of struggle and resilience.
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<div>Please help us give her this send-off like no other
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<div>The Tigermen Den is helping coordinate and produce Lindsay’s last big creative event. She did a residency with us in New Orleans to perform Bloom in 2016/17. Lindsay is a dear friend, a fellow massage therapist, and a former bandmate. Together with friends, we are going through her home — sorting her art, books, costumes, and more — preparing her space for this gathering.
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<div>This isn’t just about one event. By organizing and resetting the house, we will also be helping Lindsay’s mother, Karen who has lovingly cared for her daughter through these 13 years of ALS. After the event, we will need to clear out years of medical gear, sort a life time or Lindsay's art and finally take the time to do much needed repairs to the kitchen that could not happen during these years of care giving. Karin will be left with a home that feels lighter, clearer, and ready for the next chapter.
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<div>Our greatest honor to walk alongside Lindsay during this time. She is teaching all of us what true bravery and grace look like.
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Support Lindsay's End of Life  Creative Event

<div>After bravely undergoing a mastectomy in April, Karen is now facing yet another medical battle, lung cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer has not responded to treatments, and now she must begin a new specialized chemotherapy.
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<div>These medications are not fully covered by insurance and come at a significant cost. Karen will likely need ongoing treatment for at least six months, along with daily support to help her manage everyday tasks — like climbing her stairs, preparing meals, and walking her dog.
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<div>Funds raised here will go directly toward:
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<div>-Life saving chemotherapy and related medical care
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<div>-Day-to-day living expenses (bills, groceries, etc)
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<div>-Services, like dog walkers and in-home support
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<div>Karen has always been strong, independent, and resilient — but right now, she truly needs her community. Every donation, no matter the size, helps to ease the financial stress so she can focus on healing and breathing a little easier — literally.
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<div>Thank you so much for your love, kindness, and support during this hard time.
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<div>With gratitude and love,
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<div>Kate McCarty, Karen’s daughter
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Support Karen's Fight Against Lung Cancer

Help Stoph Defeat her Facial Hair Once and For All!

<div>Our dear friend <a href="https://alchemyofthesole.com/bio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lindsay Abromaitis-Smith</a> , a fiercely talented 43-year-old artist living with severe ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in Flemington, New Jersey, is in urgent need of a specialized adjustable bed - one that will allow her to live with dignity, comfort, and mobility.

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<div>Lindsay is completely confined to her bed 24/7, relying on caregivers and specialized equipment for even the most basic daily needs. Last month, her custom bed - her lifeline - broke without warning, leaving her with painful whiplash and a severe loss of mobility. The manufacturer refuses to take responsibility, and ever since, Lindsay has been trapped in an uncomfortable emergency hospital bed that is making her suffering even worse.

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<div>The bed Lindsay needs is a Transfer Master Supernal 5 Hi-Low Trend Adjustable Bed and is critical for her well-being. This specialized bed will:

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<div>✅ Prevent painful bedsores by allowing her to shift positions safely.

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<div>✅ Restore some mobility so she can continue making art—the passion that gives her life meaning.

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<div>✅ Improve her quality of life by easing the stress on her muscles and fragile body.

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<div>✅ Help caregivers provide proper hygiene and medical care.

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<div>But this bed comes with a significant cost, and Lindsay cannot afford it alone.

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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>

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<div>We are raising money to get Lindsay this bed as soon as possible. Every dollar brings her closer to relief, comfort, and the ability to keep creating art despite the immense challenges she faces.

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<div>Please donate whatever you can - no amount is too small.

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<div>If you can’t donate, please share this fundraiser to help us reach more people.

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<div>Lindsay has spent years fighting ALS with incredible strength and resilience, but this latest challenge has left her in despair. She needs our help—NOW.

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<div>Let’s come together and help Lindsay live with dignity, comfort, and the ability to keep creating.

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<div>Donate today and share her story!

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<div>Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Help Lindsay Get the Bed She Desperately Needs

<div>Hi Everyone!
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<div>Pete here. I've never done one of these before, but I'm in need of a little help. Here goes:
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<div><strong>The transmission on my car has died!!</strong>
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<div>(It is no more. It has ceased to be. It's kicked the bucket, etc.)
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<div><strong>A car is essential in this rural area and is a big part of my future plans.</strong>
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<div>Lately, I've been building and getting ready to set up an area at the new Makerspace. In addition, I've been asked to run a couple of puppet workshops there. (I have the power tools and have built the marionette and stage model for the course.)
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<div>Right now though, future plans are put on hold until Bella Blue (that's my car's name) is fixed.
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<div>Anyone in the puppet world knows that we do a lot of schlepping to the hardware store, fabric store, department store, etc. I just ordered fabric online, and it's going to take a week to get here!
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<div>But I digress.
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<div><strong>Money raised will be used for fixing Bella, and creating the new workshop space.</strong>
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<div>I'm hoping for your support, and if you could tell a friend, I'd appreciate it. Keep creating!!
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<div>Thanks and Happy Holidays! ❄️
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Help Pete Fix Bella Blue and Build a Workshop

<div>Hi friends,
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<div><br />
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<div>Kathy, Brian, and Quinn, a beautiful family of three, and my close friends, have been displaced by the <a href="https://abc7ny.com/apartment-fire-building-fdny-queens/14210571/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent major apartment fire</a> in Sunnyside, Queens. They need your help.
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<div>They currently have temporary housing and are still assessing, but it looks like they have lost much of their belongings to the effects of the fire and are currently without day-to-day supplies.
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<div><br />
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<div>Your donation will be an important part of getting them back up on their feet and moving past this tragedy. A monetary gift will give them the flexibility they urgently need right now to address the most pressing concerns in the weeks to come - from new clothing, to rent, to basic needs and supplies.
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<div>They're currently in shock right now. Kathy had just finished wrapping Christmas presents when the fire started. But, they've also been heartened by the amazing offers of support they've received.
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<div>Any amount you can give is needed and will be greatly appreciated.
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Help Needed: Brian Kathy & Quinn Displaced by Fire

<div>Dear Friends of Gwen &amp; Zeb,
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<div>We have met our goal of raising <strong>an additional $10,000</strong> for Gwen's stroke recovery fund, now unlocking the additional $10,000 that Gwen's college friends, The Condors, have pledged to donate! This has bumped our contributions from roughly $52,000 to now over <strong>$72,000</strong>.  These funds will go towards Gwen's intensive outpatient rehabilitation, home modifications, and accommodative equipment and transportation.  
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<div>Gwen's road ahead is still going to be a challenge, but we know that with your support, she is going to continue to make progress. 
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<div>To learn more about stroke and stroke recovery, please go to:
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<div><a href="https://thestrokefoundation.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://thestrokefoundation.org/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://thestrokefoundation.org/</a></a>
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<div><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke</a></a>
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<div><strong>Please continue to spread the word about Gwen's fundraiser! </strong>Stay tuned for more updates about Gwen's recovery. 
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<div>Thank you!
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<div>Sincerely,
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<div>Gwen's friends, The Condors
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<div>--------------------------------------------------
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<div>Dear friends,
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<div><br />
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<div>We are excited to announce a<strong> $10,000 CHALLENGE MATCH</strong> being offered by Gwen's college friends (casually named "The Condors") <strong>for the next $10,000 that YOU CAN HELP RAISE for Gwen's stroke recovery! </strong>
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<div>The <strong>good news</strong> is that Gwen is working very hard and making steady progress regaining strength, balance, communication and skills towards eventually being at home. The <strong>tough news</strong> is that as she is working towards discharge in the next few weeks, we know that this is where the costs will add up:
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<ul>
<li>acute outpatient neurologic rehabilitation (this is not covered by insurance)
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<li>home equipment (only some covered by insurance)
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<li>transportation costs
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<li>home remodels to accommodate a wheelchair, transfers, and the new equipment Gwen will need
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</ul>
<div><br />
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<div><strong>What can you do?</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>1. Donate!</strong> (In many cases, we are asking you to donate again — so THANK YOU!)
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<ul>
<li>Any amount, large or small, will help us get to our goal of $10,000 to UNLOCK the $10,000 gift from the Condors!
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
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<div><strong>2. Spread the word! </strong>
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<ul>
<li><em>Share on social media.</em> There are links on this page you can share. <em>Include a personal appeal:</em> a quick message about what this means to you, a fun anecdote you remember about Gwen, or a message about strokes or health that is meaningful to you.
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<li><em>Share via email and text.</em> Many of you are writing holiday letters and cards, and I'd encourage you to share this with your friends and family during this time when people are thinking about their charitable contributions.
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<li><em>Share the old fashioned way! </em>Talk to your local morning walking group, your choir group, your church, your community!
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</ul>
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<div>We are THRILLED that so many of you have already offered your time, healing thoughts, food, and money to Gwen's stroke recovery, and we thank you for taking the time to consider this! <strong>Let's raise $10,000 in the next month to unlock the $10,000 Condor Match!</strong>
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<div>--------------------------------------------
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<div>Our brilliant and beloved friend Gwen suffered a massive stroke in mid-September 2023.
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<div>After a stint in the ICU and some weeks at the hospital, she is now working tirelessly at an acute rehab center in Oakland. Though she is facing a number of challenges, including mobility and communication, she’s very much the Gwen that we know and love. Through this all, her partner Zeb has been by her side.
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<div><br />
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<div>Even so, they are still at the start of a very long journey to recovery. Only time and intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation will reveal how much verbal communication, and physical and motor control Gwen will be able to regain over the next 2-3 years.
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<div>As Gwen and Zeb move into this new reality, they will need substantial financial support. To maximize her potential for recovery, Gwen will need acute neurologic rehabilitation services, a wheelchair and van, significant home modifications, and around-the-clock nursing care and support. We already know that most of these costs will not be covered by her insurance. There are also sure to be myriad, still unknown financial needs Gwen and Zeb will require in the years to come depending on how Gwen’s condition progresses.
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<div><strong>In the next six months, we anticipate over $150,000 in expenses to enable a smooth transition from her inpatient acute rehabilitation facility back home. </strong>
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<div>Specific cost estimates include:
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<div><strong>Home renovation: $50,000 - 250,000</strong>
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<ul>
<li>Accessibility modifications (ramps, platform lifts, etc)
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<li>Bedroom and bathroom modifications
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<li>Widening of entryways
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<li>Hospital bed with alternating pressure mattress
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<div><strong>Transportation &amp; Mobility: $50,000-200,000</strong>
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<li>Wheelchair accessible van
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<li>Bed lifts and other in-home mobility support devices
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<div><strong>Intensive rehabilitation services: $50,000-$1,000,000</strong>
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<li>Assistive communication devices, adaptive technologies that can help Gwen regain her connection and meaningful, nuanced communication to the people around her
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<li>Home nursing care
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<li>Long term physical therapy
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<li>Long term occupational therapy
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<div>This list does not include additional rehabilitation services and financial support that will be necessary over what will likely be the next 2-3 years of healing and recovery. Much of the best outpatient physical and occupational therapy that can make a huge difference in <strong>Gwen’s overall long-term recovery is not covered by insurance, and so the cost will have to be borne by Gwen and Zeb entirely out of pocket.</strong> Some of this physical and occupational therapy will likely be life-long. Meanwhile, Gwen and Zeb will continue to need support at home, especially as Zeb looks to return to work in the months to come. It is not yet clear when and to what extent Gwen will be able to return to employment, but even with the rosiest outlook, this scenario is likely a year or two away. These numbers are just estimates; we’re doing our best to anticipate future needs but we don’t know everything yet.
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<div>Even in her current condition, Gwen continues to give us so much. We know Gwen has so much more to give the world, and she needs your help now to make this happen!
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<div><br />
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<div>Thank you so much for your support.
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<div>With much gratitude and love,
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<div><br />
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<div>Miranda, Richard, Polly, Billie, and
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<div>Gwen’s family &amp; friends
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Help Gwen in her stroke recovery!

<div>On September 11, 2023, our beloved rescue Haley had her leg spontaneously shatter beyond repair from what we now know to be the result of Osteosarcoma. The following morning she underwent an emergency amputation, to provide pain relief and in an effort to keep the cancer from spreading. The shock of all this was then compounded by the devastating loss of our precious dog (and Haley's BFF), Zero, just 10 days later.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/75977515_1697404142641238_r." width="100%" />
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<div>December 14th marked nine years since we first laid eyes on our dear sweet Haley and she joined our family. She was a timid and scarred up street dog from Tennessee back then, who has since been living the good life with us. More than anything we want Haley to see time beyond her Gotcha Day. We would be heartbroken if cancer were to rob her of this and more, and if we were to lose another member of our fur family in such a short time.
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<div>Our wish is for Haley to receive chemotherapy treatment. Each dose costs $365. Full treatment ideally would be 4-6 doses. She'd also need periodic x-rays to ensure that her lungs remain clear, which would be $300 each time, as well as follow-up blood work costing $290 per visit, and twice daily pain medication that costs $60/bottle monthly.
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<div>We have maxed out our Care Credit with the amputation of Haley's leg and the simultaneous loss of Zero, and we do not have insurance for Haley, because she was rescued late in life and is ineligible for necessary coverage. Therefore, we are truly beside ourselves with what we want for our little girl and being financially stuck.
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<div>If you are able to help Haley at this time, our family will be grateful beyond words. All donations no matter the amount will go towards keeping Haley happy, comfortable, and yet rebelliously fighting with her tongue out at cancer for another day! If you would prefer to donate on an alternative platform, you may reach out for my Venmo. And please share Haley's story with friends, family, co-workers, classmates, animal organizations, and fellow animal lovers.
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<div>Heartfelt Thanks!
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<div>Jennifer
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Hope for Haley - Help Her Fight Cancer!

<div>This is for helping Angela Butch and Yoni Kallai during Angela's recovery.
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<div>Please help our magical and loving friend Angela get back on her feet as she heals from a painful acrobatic accident that left her with fractures in her L5 spine and sacrum, a concussion, and resulting loss of work.
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<div>Since the scope of costs are still unclear, as expenses reveal themselves, we will keep updating on what the goal is but we wanted to start getting this family their help right away.
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<div>Just a few weeks ago, our vibrant Angela was severely injured while performing circus arts. She fell 15 feet from the air onto solid concrete, first crashing onto her pelvis (as Angela wrote on her Instagram page, "my meatiest part amen"), and then hitting the back of her head on the concrete.
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<div>An ambulance rushed Angela to the hospital, and she was kept in the hospital for 2.5 days as she received emergency care, CT scans, X-rays, physical therapy and occupational therapy to help her begin to move, stand and take steps again.
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<div>Angela first had to regain endurance to remain upright, and is now working hard on regaining the ability to walk without walking aids and maintain balance (she said she's shifted from her ~fancy grannie walker~ to a cane).
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<div>With her spinal fracture in the largest vertebra of the spine, her recovery is very tiring. Her body is calling for sleep every few hours, and she is still mostly home-bound as she can't move quickly or risk any falls or bumps as the bones in her spine re-grow and re-set.
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<div>Angela's concussion has given her extreme vertigo and difficulty balancing, as well as pain and fatigue when looking at screens, reading, or concentrating for long periods of time.
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<div>It’s especially difficult that the physical therapy that's helping her to regain mobility is also having temporary effects of increasing her concussion symptoms.
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<div>Angela's typical joy is finding ways to shine through, but as you can imagine, this is a long, painful, and expensive recovery, especially because her career and income are gig to gig and depend on her own physical movement, or managing others' performances which would require the screen time that is currently so exhausting for her. Angela has described it as waking up feeling like she's run a marathon.
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<div>Additionally, because of the severity of her injuries, Angela needs significant assistance from her husband Yoni, who is her main caretaker. The family now relies fully on Yoni's income, but that also means that Yoni must sometimes be away from Angela, sometimes traveling, leaving Angela and Yoni to spend time and effort coordinating for Angela's supportive care.
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<div>Angela and family need our help with her medical costs including the ambulance, hospital stay bill, physical therapy costs, occupational therapy costs, and help making up for her lost income for at best 4-6 months and potentially longer. The totals of many costs are still unknown and growing, and we will update as the bills unfold.
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<div>100% of donations will go directly to Angela.
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<div>In addition to this GoFundMe, our dear friends over at Coney Island Sideshow are hosting an in-person fundraiser for Angela on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. <a href="https://www.coneyisland.com/event/angelabutchbenefit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.coneyisland.com/event/angelabutchbenefit" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.coneyisland.com/event/angelabutchbenefit</a></a>
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<div>Ways to help:
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<li>Come to the In-Person Fundraiser on Sept. 22!
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<li>Do Both!
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<li>Spread the Word!
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Help with Angela's Recovery

<div>For more than 50 years, Kramer's Marionnettes has been a beloved institution in the City of St. Louis and an internationally-known cultural treasure. Co-Owner and Master Puppeteer Dug Feltch lost absolutely everything in a horrific fire on Friday evening, January 20. Dug is the longtime vice president of the West Pine-Laclede Neighborhood Association. The association wants to assist him to the maximum extent possible. Every dollar will go to Dug, with the exception of Go Fund Me fees.

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Kramer's Marionnettes Disaster

<div><strong>UPDATE Added 5/31</strong>:  <br />I realized that GoFundMe removed the link to the survey in the update I just posted-- but it looks like I can post a link <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW9c5mV5wz6LdZERBM_usHN8SpYDVQrfJ5pSgjFjr9WyuO9Q/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a> .  Once you've read today's update, please <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW9c5mV5wz6LdZERBM_usHN8SpYDVQrfJ5pSgjFjr9WyuO9Q/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">follow the link</a>  to answer a couple of short questions and share your thoughts with us.  You can also feel free to email me with any thoughts or comments at all.  We are working to honor the person we all loved so much, and I appreciate everyone's support in making this happen. 
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<div>***************************************************************<br /><br /><br />The marvelous Kenwyn Dapo, aka Mistress B, passed away from cancer on Saturday, November 27th, much earlier than she (or any of us) anticipated. A flame of authentic joy and creative talent that was extinguished too soon—help us honor her with a Performer’s Wake that she herself could have dreamed up. A small circle of friends are working to throw a special event to remember and celebrate the unique person she was, aiming for late January 2022 in NYC. With your help, we hope to secure a location large enough to accommodate all of Kenwyn’s large and varied friendship networks, with grand designs for delicious food, copious drinks, performers, photos, balloon art, opportunities to share your own stories and memories (see the special e-mail contact info below) and remote viewing/participation. Can you help us throw her one last fabulous fête?
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<div>When Kenwyn became very ill last week, a small group of us reached out to the vast circle of people who knew and loved her. There were the witches, knitters, astrologers, and crafters. Writers, bakers, musicians, performers, cat lovers, and balloon twisters. Kenwyn was someone who was forever generous with her time, her love, and her many talents. She was authentic, hilarious, and creative. The outpouring of love and grief is truly tremendous.
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<div>When she was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2018, and as she fought it right up until the end, she was genuinely surprised to find herself beloved, surrounded by the love she’d cultivated effortlessly her entire life. She kept her diagnosis fairly private, and the specific details of her diagnosis and her health even more so. She decided she’d only tell those with whom she was so close, that not telling them would be a breach of trust. She also wanted to only tell people herself, and in person. She knew that with love came worry, and worry felt draining instead of healing. She thought she had more time than she did, and I know she envisioned sharing her story more broadly when she felt ready. But the end came more quickly than any of us expected.
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<div>She focused her energy on staying positive, pushing back against the cancer (whom she nicknamed “Leechman” and envisioned as a fat man with a bad comb-over, wearing a cheap brown suit and smoking a stinky cigar). I know that she was afraid, but she was also brave, and strong, and resourceful. She created a decorative bag to hide her medical devices. She cried. She sought out humor and started actively planning a project that would offer free humor to chemotherapy patients via free streamed services in oncology offices. In short, she didn’t stop living, and she didn’t stop being Kenwyn. Barely a month before her death, she and John spent a month in Europe, seeing Paris and climbing the steps at Montmartre, and then relaxing with a friend in the French countryside. They visited Iceland on the way home. She continued to work when she could. She saw friends, she laughed.
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<div>As Kenwyn herself wrote, “Cancer doesn’t win if it ends my life. I’ve gotta die of something. Cancer wins if it robs me of the life I have right now.” She refused to let that happen. But those of us who are left behind are grieving. We need to gather and say goodbye.
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<div>Please reach out to KenwynMemories (AT) gmail.com to share your stories, photos, videos, and memories. Feel free to write multiple times as you recall or find additional things to share.
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<div>All remaining funds will be donated to a cause important to Kenwyn—these are all organizations to which she gave significant time, energy, and/or money of her own: <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planned Parenthood NY</a> , <a href="https://www.anjelliclecats.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anjellicle Cats Rescue</a> , and <a href="https://broadwaycares.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadway Cares</a> .
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<div>Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.
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<div>Much love to you all, and thank you in advance for your support.
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<div>Melody Fisher, Dana Aber, Justin Quackenbush, Verna Serra, Magdalena Schmidt, Adele Bove, and John Kail
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Help Us Remember and Celebrate Kenwyn

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55270300_1628009983513359_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="55270300_1628009983513359_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55270300_1628010001767712_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="55270300_1628010001767712_r.jpeg" /><br />***Thank you so much for your interest in supporting Lindsay! We are redirecting our fundraising efforts to a different platform to help us keep more of funds. Please make a monthly donation to Lindsay for her 40th bday by visiting <a href="https://alchemyofthesole.com/support" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://alchemyofthesole.com/support</a> or PayPal her a one time gift at [email redacted] You can email [email redacted] for questions and assistance as well!***<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lindsay Abromaitis-Smith is a 39 year old artist and herbalist living with ALS. She was diagnosed in 2012, and nine years of this journey has yielded both unimaginable joys and hardships. Before her diagnosis, Lindsay was a professional puppeteer and bodyworker living and working in NYC. In 2015 she relocated to Flemington, NJ, where she and her mother Karin are both long-term artists in residence at the Takaezu Studio . While Lindsay and Karin both continue to make art, Karin has had to give up the bulk of her career as a director, teacher, potter, and jewelry designer in order to manage Lindsay’s full-time care needs. Lindsay has turned her creativity towards painting, using her feet to paint large acrylic canvases that explore texture, color, and symbology. Currently, Lindsay is working on a photo series and documentary with some friends in order to show the world that people who are differently abled can be beautiful, powerful, and multidimensional. She also creates rituals and custom herbal remedies to honor and connect to the earth.<br /><br />Living with ALS and managing the full-time care needs of an ALS patient are two of the most demanding experiences imaginable. Lindsay relies on a motorized wheelchair to get around when she isn’t in bed, an eye-controlled computer to communicate with, and a cough-assist machine to keep her airways clear. She needs 24 hour a day care, and relies on human assistance to eat, get in and out of bed, use the restroom, shower, brush her hair and teeth, get dressed, scratch her nose, and pet her cats. Medicaid covers 40 hours a week of this care, but the other 128 hours a week are up to Lindsay and Karin to manage and pay for. Ensuring that they have quality care available to Lindsay at all times is the biggest ongoing expense and the most urgent need for their household. In 2015 Karin did the bulk of this “after hours” caregiving herself, unpaid; in October of that year she suffered a stress-induced heart attack and as a result is no longer able to fulfill this role herself. <br /><br />For the past six years, Karin and Lindsay have relied on a combination of government subsidies, income from art sales, and donations from aid organizations and friends and family to cover the cost of Lindsay's care. Since Karin has put her career on hold to care for Lindsay, she has been drawing from her retirement account to cover costs when their expenses exceed their income, which is frequently. This is unsustainable; to be blunt, she simply does not have enough to finance the care that is needed.<br /><br />In addition to the primary expense of Lindsay’s care, other monthly expenses include supplements and functional medicine such as acupuncture and massage, the cost of insuring and maintaining Lindsay’s wheelchair accessible van, phone and internet bills, and art supplies.<br /><br />Any and all donations will go directly towards providing for Lindsay's care and are appreciated beyond what words can express. <br />
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Lots More Lindsay

Dave Shramek was in sedation for 4 weeks on a ventilator for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, a life threatening lung injury preventing oxygen getting to the body.<br /><br />We know how beloved Dave is to all who know him. We are asking for those who can to assist any amount toward his uncovered medical expenses including his transport to a long term care hospital for his therapy and recovery, as well as unrealized loss of income.<br /><br />We his parents will continue to update his progress.<br /><br />Roy and Lesley

Help Dave Shramek Get Well

<strong>**UPDATE MESSAGE** 6/9/2020 - From Roxie Washington and Gianna Floyd - "Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support. We understand that people are wanting to send cards, pictures, or any gifts for my baby. We appreciate that. Because of the outpouring of love and support felt around the world, we are proud to announce a foundation that we have created where supporters can send what they feel from the heart..."<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />**UPDATE MESSAGE** 6/3/2020 - Please note that THIS is the only legal Gianna Floyd GoFundMe page on the site. We are working with GoFundMe to have other GoFundMe pages in Gianna's name shut down IMMEDIATELY. Please note that the Family of Gianna Floyd is working with their legal counsel (Stewart Trial Attorneys) in setting up this GoFundMe page. Her legal counsel takes ZERO percent of funds raised. All money that is donated will be placed in a trust for Gianna and her mother. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support that has been felt around the world.  <br /><br />This is the official GoFundMe established in George Floyd's honor to help provide for the needs of his 6-year-old daughter Gianna Floyd</strong>. Because of her father’s tragic murder due to police brutality, Gianna will now go through life without her dad. In addition, their family has lost their provider, and will no doubt suffer financial hardship after this tragic loss.<br /><br />As a community, we want to come together in this time of need and assist Gianna’s mother, Roxie Washington, by donating whatever we can to help provide mental and grief counseling for George Floyd’s youngest child, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist Roxie (Gianna's mother) in providing for their child’s continued well-being and education.<br /> <br />"Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude and we ask that you think of Gianna and the rest of our family as we suffer through this great loss. "  - Roxie<br /><br />100% of funds will go to Gianna’s care and future.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />GoFundMe account managed by Tiffany Lee of <strong>Stewart Trial Attorneys</strong> on behalf of Roxie Washington.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48477062_1591129794833252_r.jpeg" alt="48477062_1591129794833252_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48477062_1591129819760760_r.jpeg" alt="48477062_1591129819760760_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

OFFICIAL Gianna Floyd Fund (George Floyd's child)

I’ve decided to try something miraculous to help my Mom. My poor Mom has such a sweet heart, but has been suffering from childhood trauma and terrible domestic adversity ever since. She is currently in a very deep state of anxiety and depression, has been for many years, and is now at serious risk of being homeless. This is all I could think of to help her. It is impossible to share every nuance and intricacy of this emergency, but I will try to share the most important parts.<br /><br />Over the last 25 years, she has been supported entirely through her marriages and her most recent ex-husband has been helping her pay rent and bills. He is retiring and she will be left to support herself by her $11/h job at a deli. This will leave her homeless by the end of September unless she finds some miracle or can find a higher paying job. This is becoming increasingly difficult because my Mom is 58, has no college degree and hasn’t worked a real job since 1996.<br /><br />She is completely resolved to wait for “God’s help”, yet does nothing to actively solve any of this. She is effectively defeated by her terrible sense of self-worth, exacerbated by her age, experience, and relationships with her children and other family members. Her faith and loneliness has led her to actively believe in dystopian second-coming-of-Christ prophecies and reptilian Nibiru overlords and a lineage of Satan’s bloodline infused in the blood of mankind and all kinds of in my opinion maniacal delusions. I am terrified that she has created a fantasy that will ultimately leave her homeless and alone. We have a very sad family history, with each sibling having different and unique painful origin stories, and they’ve all left a heavy weight on my Mom. She is finally with an empty nest and really needs help and support to see how dynamic and wonderful she really is (she is the source of all our creativity) and all I want is for her to find her own confidence again. <br /><br />I am essentially setting this GoFundMe up to buy my Mom 3 months of rent so that she can have enough time to find a job and feel calm enough to plan, and maybe this will show her that people can come together to help her and encourage her.<br /><br />I don’t know what else to say or do, no one knows I am doing this.<br /><br />Thank you!

Helping my Mom

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/37198292_1550604061856661_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="37198292_1550604061856661_r.jpeg" />In August of 2018 I was diagnosed with Anorexia, and immediately lost my job as a result. <br />I spent 5 weeks at Rogers Memorial Hospital in November and December of last year being treated for severe malnutrition and making progress on my anxiety, depression and food issues. <br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/37198292_155060408447333_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="37198292_155060408447333_r.jpeg" /><br />However, when I returned home from that hospital stay I discovered that my former employer had cut off my COBRA insurance the very day I entered the hospital, leaving me responsible for a $75,000 bill. The insurance company had kept accepting the bill for some reason, so I had no way of knowing I was uninsured. <br />Dealing with the sudden crushing debt has made working on my immeadiate medical needs less of a priority and as a result things have gotten worse to the point where I need to be hospitalized for at least 2 months. <br />$5,000 would cover my rent and bills for the 2 months I’m away and allow me to focus on recovery, but every dollar helps pay for outpatient treatment, medication, supplements and food.

Get K80 To Treatment

Friends and family; as many of you already know, our dear friend, the KING, Arthur Scott, left this earthly plane to explore the remainder of the universe on Thanksgiving Day. While we all have lost a truly great friend and family member, his wife, Kristin Scott, has lost the love of her life. While nothing could ever fill the space left by his passing, we are here in hopes of contributing whatever possible to help support her during this difficult transition.<br /><br />While Arthur and Kristin just celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary this November 11th, they have been building a life together for the past 8 years. With steadfast determination, they have supported and guided one another over these years, through ill and health, knowing that the hard work they were putting in would grow into happiness and infinite love together. Goals were being set and achieved, plans were being made for the future, events set in motion months and years ago were finally coming to fruition for the both of them… until this unfathomable tragedy struck.<br /><br />It’s unquestionably unfair that such a terrible thing would happen to such beautiful souls. Therefore, the initial outpour of love and support from friends and families has been truly tremendous. There are already so many to thank, but there have been many more from close and far wanting to help any way they can. So, after much deliberation, we have decided to orchestrate this GoFundMe campaign to allow everyone to help support Kristin during this trying time and to let us all come together and do exactly what we all know Art would want more than anything at this very moment – manifest the means for his true love and best friend to be as comfortable, safe, and well supported as possible while she figures out what comes next.<br /><br />Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this. If you’ve come this far, then it’s obvious Arthur and Kristin both hold a very special place in your heart. Knowing that, plans are currently being put into place to honor his memory and celebrate his life. <br /><br />Blessings, love, and light to you all. Just Thanks. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/34953286_1543507064618564_r.jpeg" alt="34953286_1543507064618564_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Supporting Arthur & Kristin Scott

<p>We originally had planned for this campaign to help fund the renovation of the theater in celebration of Black Cherry Puppet Theater’s 40th anniversary. Then when a violent windstorm ripped off part of our roof we had to dedicate all of our efforts toward its replacement. The roof is done and its run off is channeled to a new Earth friendly French Drainage system. <br /><br />Now it’s time to make the theater work a little better, update the stage and lighting system, create proper offices, improved storage, a dedicated front box office space, and (Are you ready for this?) ANOTHER BATHROOM!<br /><br />Anderson Design Studios have designed the new space and it is beautiful. Now, we have to bring this dream to reality, and we are asking for your help!<br /><br />------------<br />In March 2018, a violent storm hit Baltimore and ripped part of the roof off of Black Cherry Puppet Theater. The theater was purchased and renovated originally in 1996, but it was set for a new capital campaign to finish these renovations and make the theater a more usable space in 2020. Unfortunately, the storm hit ahead of this campaign, and a new roof, which was going to be part of that fundraising, is desperately needed immediately. Other avenues for funds to fix the roof have been, and continue to be, investigated. But in six months since the storm, Baltimore has seen a record amount of rain and storms and the temporary measures to keep water out of the building are not holding up, and the inside of the theater is being further damaged. So now, we are turning to you for help. No amount is too small.<br /><br />To find out more about what makes the puppet theater such a special place and an important organization serving children and adults in Baltimore since 1980, visit our website www.blackcherry.org .<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33257028_1538071112760483_r.jpeg" alt="33257028_1538071112760483_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33257028_1538068565750936_r.jpeg" alt="33257028_1538068565750936_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33257028_1538071434121027_r.jpeg" alt="33257028_1538071434121027_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
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A Roof and a Renovation for the Puppet Theater

On October 13th heaven gained a 19 year old angel named Alexis.  She was a daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter,  but most importantly she was a mother of this beautiful little girl in the photo. Funds are being collected to help the family with funeral expenses and medical bills, any extra will be placed in a savings account for Julia, her baby girl. <br /><br />All donations, no matter the amount, are accepted and appreciated along with prayers for Alexis, Julia, and their family.<br /><br />Thank you in advance!

Supporting Alexis

James Racioppi, Artistic Director of Paper Moon Puppet Theatre, made his first puppet at the age of 9. Mr. Racioppi studied at The Cooper Union on a full scholarship. He has an extensive background in fine arts and puppetry as well as in the theater as both an actor and director. His resume includes work with Omega Productions as a stop motion puppet animator, building puppets and performing with them on the Pixanne Television Show and as a puppeteer on “The Captain Kangaroo Show”. He also designed puppets and performed with them in the Off Broadway production of “Kumquats” along with Wayland Flowers and Madame.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="http://3b4efb995be6c5c64252-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.r12.cf1.rackcdn.com/1930804_1407805563.6526_multi.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br />In 1991 he opened Paper Moon Puppet Theatre in a vacant office building he rented from a friend. The building served as the theatre, his workshop and his home. Jack and the Beanstalk was the first show performed at the theater. Since then he has designed and built puppets and sets for an extensive repertoire of shows including classic tales such as Cinderella, Puss in Boots and The Wizard of Oz. In the mid 90’s when the office space was no longer available the theatre set up shop in a local community theater that served as its home for many years. In 2010 the theater moved to its current location. Over the course of the last 20 years Paper Moon has built an outstanding reputation within the community. In addition to the general public we have established long-term relationships with daycare centers, camps and various clubs &amp; organizations. In addition, the theater has developed and taught puppetry workshops in a number of these locations.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="http://3b4efb995be6c5c64252-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.r12.cf1.rackcdn.com/1930804_1407805607.0657_multi.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br />In order to take us to the next phase of our development we have partnered with School Matters, LLC. The goal of this partnership is to demonstrate how puppets impact literacy as outlined in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Our focus is to provide elementary school children art and literacy experiences from which to draw upon across the curriculum. We have been working together developing the materials we want to use to communicate our initiative. Once complete we will design and produce marketing packages. In addition, we will hire an Outreach Liaison. This person will be responsible for the elementary school outreach throughout New Jersey. <br /><br />The final phase of our development is to extend this program to higher-grade levels. Mr. Racioppi is designing and building two new productions geared towards older children. The first is a multimedia production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The production utilizes various forms of puppetry and visual aids. Paper Moon was given permission to use a vintage recording done by Richard Burton and The Old Vic Theatre Co for their production. The second is an original production called Introduction to Opera: Why Do They Sing It. This program will draw parallels between operatic versions of old stories and their modern day counterparts. For example, it will contrast the opera Rusalka with modern music composed for the film The Little Mermaid. <br /><br />Your donation will help us cover the expenses associated with the completion of our marketing materials, additional salaries for the Outreach Coordinator as well as those for additional puppeteers we will need to hire and finally the monies needed to complete the productions mentioned above. <br /><br />Please visit our website: <a href="http://www.papermoonpuppettheatre.com">www.papermoonpuppettheatre.com</a>, friend us on facebook and see clips of shows on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PuppetMaster07716"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PuppetMaster07716" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/user/PuppetMaster07716</a> <br /><br /><img class="not-resizeable" src="http://3b4efb995be6c5c64252-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.r12.cf1.rackcdn.com/1930804_1407805732.2179_multi.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br /></a>

Honey Goodenough