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>Starting over in LA, I was ecstatic to be in a new place with a fresh start...
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>But on night one, I became increasingly frustrated at my upstairs neighbor.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I couldn't understand how one person could possibly make that much noise. Some days, it genuinely sounded like someone was bowling!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And then one day, I saw her.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>An incredibly frail, almost-87-year-old woman shakily making her way down the stairs, struggling just to take out her recycling.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Her name is Carole.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And suddenly, every noise I'd been complaining about sounded completely different.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I took it upon myself to learn my neighbor's story. Carole lives alone and has Parkinson's Disease; come to find out, the sounds I had initially interpreted as an inconsiderate neighbor was an elderly woman simply trying to navigate her home &amp; her life independently.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Talk about being humbled!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>So instead of complaining about the noise, I started listening.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I started taking out Carole's trash twice a week. Once a week, I cook for her and we spend some time together. And somewhere between trash bags, meals, &amp; conversations, the 85-year-old woman upstairs stopped being "my loud neighbor."
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>She became Carole.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And then something happened that neither of us could have anticipated.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I shared our story online.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In a matter of days, millions of people watched it... and thousands of complete strangers began asking me the exact same question:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>"How can we help Carole?"
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>At first, I didn't have an answer.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Now I do.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This is where my story ends and Carole's begins.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Because the more I've gotten to know the woman living above me, the more I've learned about the life she's lived, what she's survived, &amp; what life looks like for her today.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Carole currently survives on Social Security &amp; SNAP benefits while also receiving Medicaid coverage. And despite the assistance available to her, there are very real needs in her home &amp; daily life that simply aren't being met.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>When I shared that reality, thousands of you didn't just leave kind comments.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>You asked if you could buy make her meals.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>You asked if you could clean her apartment.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>You offered groceries, consultations, weekly visits, special self-care treatments, financial assistance... &amp; more kindness than either of us knew what to do with.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>So after taking time to figure out how to do this responsibly, this fundraiser is our answer.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Maybe the woman upstairs didn't need me to complain less… maybe she just needed someone downstairs to look up.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>**Note: a full itemized list of good &amp; services with prices will be listed here as I purchase them for my girl so that y’all know exactly what your donations are going to! Updates will of course be provided on Instagram @omgitsheidiii ✨
</div>

Help Carole Live With Comfort & Dignity at 87

<div><strong>We are currently fundraising in response to Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. We are also working closely with Hawaiʻi Mutual Aid Network to provide direct relief to individuals and families impacted.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Hawaiʻi Mutual Aid Network is a locally based, volunteer run organization built around the belief that communities are often best positioned to identify who needs help. For Lala Relief, they are working with community members and partners across Hawaiʻi to identify and verify fundraisers for people directly impacted by the storm.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Donations raised through this fund will be granted directly to verified people experiencing loss and hardship as a result of Hurricanes Lala and Lowell.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Devastating hurricanes have become all-too-frequent occurrences in the United States, with vulnerable communities often bearing the burden of the worst impact. Each year, hundreds of people create fundraisers on the GoFundMe platform asking for help in the wake of a destructive hurricane.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This fund was created to provide direct relief to people in need after a hurricane. Your tax-deductible donation will ensure this fund can support as many people as possible as soon as a disaster strikes. We send critical cash grants directly to people who need help within 24 hours following a hurricane.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>For more information, <a href="https://www.gofundme.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GoFundMe.org_Hurricane_Relief_Fund_FY27.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here to review a one-pager</a> about this fund's impact over past years.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Current Need</strong>
</div>
<div>August 2026: Hurricane Lala has caused widespread power outages and homes have been swept away. Donations raised will be granted directly to those affected. We are collaborating with Hawaii Mutual Aid to identify verified people impacted.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Who We Help</strong>
</div>
<div>We deliver cash grants directly to those impacted by hurricanes in the United States, including all states and territories. We grant to verified individuals who qualify and are fundraising for themselves or on behalf of someone else. We may also provide grants to fundraisers benefiting small businesses and community relief efforts, or to vetted nonprofits coordinating long-term recovery. Grants are unrestricted, providing dignity and autonomy for grantees to meet their personal urgent relief needs.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why donate to this fund?</strong>
</div>
<div>We provide quick support (within a day or two) to individuals and communities who are directly impacted by a hurricane, supporting as many people as we can.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Donations to this fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. We’ll send you a receipt after you donate.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Stay informed of our impact</strong>
</div>
<div>We’re deeply committed to operating with transparency and strive for maximum impact. We post regular updates to this fund which are emailed directly to donors.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Thank you</strong>
</div>
<div>Thank you for supporting this critical relief fund. Every single donation is meaningful, no matter how small. Together, we can show up for people in times of crisis and let them know they are not alone.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>To donate via DAF, please select the DAF Pay option as the payment method once you click 'donate now' on this page. If you would like to donate via wire/ACH, please select the 'bank transfer' option. To give via stock, crypto, check, or by Private Foundation please visit our <a href="https://www.gofundme.org/off-platform-donations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offline donation page</a> and we will add your donation to this fund as an offline contribution so that your gift is recognized on this Fund page.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em><a href="https://www.gofundme.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GoFundMe</a>.<a href="https://www.gofundme.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">org</a> is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 81-2279757) that works to swiftly mobilize donations raised to support individuals and communities impacted by crises, natural disasters, and social inequalities. We accept tax-deductible donations from donors into funds created for a specific philanthropic purpose. From these funds, we issue grants to charitable classes of individuals, nonprofit organizations, and charitable projects.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>Donations to this fund are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by U.S. law. Money will be given to verified charitable needs at the discretion of GoFundMe.org.</em>
</div>

2026 Hurricane Relief Fund

<div>Thursday, August 27th, Alan "Hevy Duty" Stevenson underwent emergency neurosurgery for a hemorrhagic stroke. He is stable and recovering at Lions Gate in North Van.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Hevy began exhibiting early symptoms on Wednesday, the 26th, and the following day he lost movement ability in the left side of his body. He was immediately admitted to Squamish General and transferred to Lions Gate for an emergency craniotomy, performed by Dr. Mendelsohn (to whom Hevy's family and friends are extremely grateful). The surgery was successful, but Hevy remains in intensive care.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Hevy's road to recovery is significant, but anyone who knows Hevy know's he's tough as hell. And if you're fortunate enough to know him, you also know he's an almost impossibly kind soul. When help is needed, Hevy's there, no questions asked.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>He'd show up for us, and now he needs us to show up for him. As a visitor, Hevy is unfortunately not covered under health insurance, and emergency neurosurgery, ICU time, ambulance, and other ancillary costs are substantial.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are raising funds for Hevy to cover his current medical costs, and the next year of care, medications, physio, and other related medical expenses.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Hevy has impacted climbers and friends around the world, from the UK, to Yosemite, to the desert southwest, to Colorado, to Squamish. If you've ever climbed one of his routes, spent a day at one of his many classic crags, hiked the many trails he maintains in the Smoke Bluffs, or just basked in awe at one of his shirts or huuping skills, please consider donating.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Any amount will help.
</div>

Please help Hevy Duty recover after a hemorrhagic stroke

The entire Little Monster Films family and Everest: The Other Side production team is devastated to hear about the passing of Yukta Gurung. Yukta was a celebrated Nepali mountaineer and a vital part of our team on multiple expeditions to the North Side of Everest over the last several years. His courage, skill, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege to climb alongside him. Yukta summited Everest with Jim Morrison, Jimmy Chin, and the rest of our team last October, and his contributions to our expeditions were invaluable. 
<br />
<br />
 Tragically, Yukta was lost in an avalanche on Broad Peak, leaving behind his family in Nepal. He was the sole source of support for his loved ones, including his son. The loss is not only felt by our team, but by his family who now face an uncertain future. Our team and the entire production are doing everything we can to support Yukta's loved ones in this difficult time, and as part of that effort, we've come together to set up this fund to help ensure that Yukta's family is provided for in the wake of this tragedy, and that his son has the opportunity to pursue his education and dreams. 
<br />
<br />
 All donations will be sent directly to Yukta's family in Nepal. Your support will help cover immediate needs, ongoing living expenses, and educational costs for his son. We invite you to share this fundraiser and ask for donations to help Yukta's family during this difficult time. Thank you for honoring Yukta's memory and supporting those he loved most. 
<br /><br />This fundraiser was created by Anna Barnes, a Producer on the film Everest: The Other Side which features Yukta. Since GoFundMe does not support direct transfers to individuals in Nepal, the funds will be received by me in the U.S. as an intermediary then transferred on directly to Yukta’s widow via wire to Nepal. <br />
<br />
 Yukta photo credit: Savannah Cummins

Support Yukta Gurung's Family in Nepal

<div>Our dear friend <strong>Molly Lewis Hoffstatter</strong> and her parents, <strong>Roger &amp; Lynn Lewis</strong>, have tragically lost their brother and son, <strong>Andrew "Andy" Lewis</strong>, on Sunday, June 14, due to a base jumping accident near Moab, Utah.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Known around the world as "Sketchy Andy," he became a pioneer in slacklining, highlining, and BASE jumping. He helped transform slacklining from a niche pastime into a global sport, earning world championships, setting records, and inspiring countless athletes to step onto a line for the very first time.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, a community that will miss him profoundly, and a legacy that extends far beyond his remarkable accomplishments. His influence lives on in the countless people he inspired to take that first step, trust themselves, and pursue life with greater passion and purpose.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>A celebration of Andy's life will be announced separately.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to this GoFundMe. Contributions will help honor Andy's memory and support efforts that reflect the adventurous, generous, and inspiring life he shared with so many.

</div>

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Sketchy Andy Lewis

<div>With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Aaron McGarity, who tragically lost his life in a work accident as an arborist on March 31, 2026. He was 36 years old and just weeks away from celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary with his partner whom he adored, Sarah.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Aaron was an intelligent, adventurous, and deeply kind soul. He loved slacklining, climbing trees &amp; rocks, cross-country biking, roller skating and practicing partner acrobatics. Together, he and Sarah embraced a nomadic life filled with travel, connection, and a shared love of vegan food.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Aaron’s presence brought calm, joy, and a sense of safety to those around him. He was a true friend to many and will be deeply missed.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Aaron was also the primary provider for their household. In the wake of this devastating loss, Sarah is facing both profound grief and financial uncertainty. This fundraiser will help cover living expenses, giving her the time and space to grieve, heal, and honor Aaron’s life without the immediate pressure to return to work.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Any support or sharing of this page means so much. Thank you for helping honor Aaron and support Sarah during this incredibly difficult time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>~Post-Fundraiser Update for transparency purposes: I (Tylyn Strecker) have set this GoFundMe up on behalf of my close friend, Sarah Clark. I initially listed myself as the beneficiary to help manage the administrative aspects of receiving funds, so Sarah would not have to navigate the process while in the early stages of grief. Now that some time has passed, I have added Sarah as the beneficiary, and Sarah intends to withdraw and manage the funds directly going forward.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>

Support for Sarah after Aaron's passing

<div>My name is Bryan, and I’m married to one of the strongest women I know, Courtney Jennings-Smith. On Sunday, November 30th, 2025, <strong>she was suddenly taken from us far too soon.</strong> We wanted to help raise funds for funeral costs and for our daughter Becca’s tuition costs. <strong>If anyone wants to help, it would be greatly appreciated by our family but also not expected if you can’t!</strong> If you knew her personally, you know how she could light up any room with her charm and sassy attitude. She’s going to be greatly missed by all! ❤️
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>if anyone would like to stop by our service please reach out to myself or her mother Brenda and we can give you the details!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>- Bryan, Becca &amp; Brenda
</div>

Honoring Courtney: Funeral and Tuition Support

<div><br />
</div>
<div>Hi, my name is Channing Miller, and I’m writing on behalf of my mom, the proud owner of Incredible Edibles Bakery in Virginia Beach, VA. At around 4 a.m. on October 29th, our world was turned upside down when a devastating fire completely destroyed our family bakery. 
</div>
<div>For more than 35 years, Incredible Edibles has been more than just a business — it’s been our livelihood, our legacy, and a beloved part of the Virginia Beach and mid-Atlantic community. My mom and our family poured our hearts, souls, and countless hours into building it from the ground up. In a matter of moments, everything we worked so hard for was gone. We are beyond grateful that everyone is safe, but we lost everything else — our equipment, supplies, inventory, and the space that felt like home to so many. Now, we’re faced with the difficult task of rebuilding from nothing. We’re asking for your help to get us back on our feet and bring Incredible Edibles back to life.
</div>
<div> How Your Support Will Help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div> Your donations will go directly toward: 
</div>
<div>-Covering immediate recovery and cleanup expenses.
</div>
<div>-Replacing equipment and supplies lost in the fire.
</div>
<div>-Supporting our employees during this difficult time.
</div>
<div>-Rebuilding the bakery that has been a community staple for decades.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div> Our family is heartbroken, but we’re determined to rebuild — because Incredible Edibles has always been more than a bakery. It’s been a place where people celebrated birthdays, weddings, and countless special moments together. If you’re able to donate, please know that every dollar truly makes a difference. And if you can’t contribute financially, please share our story with your friends, family, and community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. Your love gives us hope during this incredibly difficult time. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With love and gratitude, 
</div>
<div>Channing Miller &amp; the Incredible Edibles Family
</div>

Devastating Fire Burns Down Incredible Edibles Bakery

<div>SJ (they/them) was suddenly and wrongfully fired from their dream job in Yosemite National Park by the federal government. SJ was fired for hanging a trans pride flag off of the famous El Capitan with a small team. When SJ hung the flag, they were on their off time, neither said nor did anything to hint that they worked for the federal government, and did not violate any laws. Firing SJ for hanging a flag is a violation of their first amendment right!

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>This sudden news has shocked and sent waves through the small community of Yosemite employees. SJ has always been a beloved and valued member of the community not only in their role on the clock, but in the numerous ways they’ve shown up for their neighbors, friends, visitors, and the climbing community.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>The funds donated here will help SJ stay on their feet as they navigate this rapid and unexpected transition to unemployment. They will be used for bills, groceries, and lawyer costs.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Thank you in advance for your support!

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

Help SJ Overcome Wrongful Termination

<div>On August 7, 2025, Rachel Jones, 32, was tragically killed in a pedestrian hit-and-run. Rachel was a devoted and loving mother to two beautiful daughters - Eva (5) and Grace (6 months). Her life was centered around her girls, and her joy was found in the everyday moments of motherhood.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Rachel was an amazing mother, a gentle soul, and the kind of person who made you feel seen and loved. She poured every ounce of her heart into raising her girls, and she dreamed of giving them a bright, beautiful future.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Rachel’s sudden passing has left her family heartbroken. In addition to the emotional devastation, there are now unexpected financial burdens, including funeral expenses and the ongoing costs of caring for Eva and Grace.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are reaching out to friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers to help provide stability and support during this devastating time. All donations will go directly toward:
</div>
<div>    •    Funeral and memorial costs
</div>
<div>    •    Household expenses and child care needs
</div>
<div>    •    Educational and future expenses for Eva &amp; Grace
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you can, please consider contributing and sharing this page so that Rachel’s love and legacy can continue to shine through her daughters.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.
</div>

Help Support Eva & Grace After Losing Their Mother

<div>This GoFundMe is to help my friend <strong>Jens Holsten recover and move forward from a below-the-knee amputation.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In short, Jens has been battling with a very painful and dysfunctional right leg for over a decade due to a complex sequence of congenital issues and an injury that resulted in deformity of his foot and destruction of his ankle joint. After three surgeries (including two failed ankle fusions), many consults with the best surgeons in the field of ankle reconstruction, and hundreds of hours of physical therapy, Jens made the challenging yet appropriate decision to remove his right lower leg and move forward as an amputee/para-athlete.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Jens underwent surgery on June 20th with an incredible surgeon, Dr. Kessinger, who is top in her field. Surgery went great with no complications.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Jens is in the beginning stages of his recovery from this amputation, and while it will be long and challenging, each day moves him closer to living a higher quality life as an amputee/para-athlete.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Jens is very excited to put the pain and dysfunction behind him and move forward bionically, and we are all so excited for him and this next chapter, but he will need our help!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>The expenses for a new amputee are extensive and continuous.</strong> Pre-existing and new medical bills, lengthy rehabilitation with extensive co-pays and insurance limits, expensive medical supplies, and of course the myriad of adaptive equipment Jens will need to purchase to begin this new life (from prosthetic legs to car modifications, to household equipment). It's an overwhelming list, and the needs will never end.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Anything you can donate to lessen the burden of these expenses is very much appreciated!!!</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please share this GoFundMe far and wide. Thank you!
</div>

Help Jens Recover from Leg Amputation

<div>On Thursday, June 26, 2025, our community experienced the tragic loss of Jon Schleicher from a climbing accident. He lit up every room, warmed so many hearts, and brought joy wherever he went. He had a gift for making everyone feel like the most important person in the world. And with his passing, we invite everyone who knew and loved him to help his family when they need us most.

</div>

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_1751153642248958_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_1751131404236950_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_1751153657532780_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div>

<div>His absence is deeply felt already. The Schleicher family is now facing the unimaginable pain of saying goodbye to their son. And Jon would do anything for us, so we want to do everything we can to help.

</div>

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_1751153755110033_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_175113137317730_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div>

<div>We are coming together to support the Schleicher family as they grieve and navigate the challenges ahead. All funds will go toward flights and transportation, funeral and memorial costs, meals, cleaning help, and other practical needs while the family navigates this heartbreaking loss and focuses on healing. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and show the Schleicher family that they are not alone in their sorrow.

</div>

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_1751153798946078_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Jon was a dedicated son, the most loyal friend imaginable, cherished cat dad, beloved member of the running and climbing community in Denver, and so much more. Thank you for your compassion and support for Jon and his family. Your kindness will help honor Jon's memory and provide comfort to those who loved him.

</div>

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_1751154005170396_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div><img class="text-editor_textEditorImage__43_GE" alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/92216429_1751154092634513_r." width="100%" />

<div><br />

</div>

Help the Schleicher Family Honor Jon's Memory

<div>Hi family,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’m writing this with a heavy and humbled heart.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My mom was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and it has become clear that I may be the best candidate to be her primary caregiver moving forward. She started her first round of chemotherapy but contracted a norovirus and had to be readmitted to the hospital. After a whirlwind of medical complications and uncertainty, it’s become evident that I am the person best positioned to care for her in this fragile, precious time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This means stepping away from work and uprooting my life temporarily to support her full-time. In the future, I *might* qualify for assistance through California’s IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services), but that process takes around 3 months and only would cover very basic costs, if I can qualify at all. As of right now, there’s no clear guarantee of insurance or institutional support.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’m asking for community care — from anyone who has felt supported, seen, or held by me over the years — to help carry me through this time so I can show up fully for my mom.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’m trying to cover:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Rent and bills
</div>
<div>-Travel and possible relocation costs from Oakland to Arroyo Grande
</div>
<div>-Care for my mother's animals
</div>
<div>-Ongoing monthly expenses and debt payments
</div>
<div>-The baseline costs of living while I offer my mom the love, comfort, and presence she deserves
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In the short term, I need to quickly raise $2,500 to get through July — the most urgent window, as I’ll be traveling back to Central California immediately.
</div>
<div>Longer term, I estimate about $15,000 to sustain the next six months.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you’ve ever shared space with me, if I’ve ever held you, fed you, made you laugh, or supported you in any way — I ask that you consider donating, sharing, or sending love. Anything helps. I deeply understand that many of us are carrying more than we let on, and I don’t take this ask lightly. If you’re unable to give financially; your love, energy are just as meaningful. Also — feel free to share this cause with others in your network.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This is about giving my mom the tenderness and dignity she deserves — and giving me the chance to be by her side for whatever time we have left.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With deep gratitude, BB
</div>

Stand by BB: Caregiving for Mom's Cancer

<div>hi! my name is may, and i’m fundraising towards recovery funds for my imminent facial feminization surgery (FFS) taking place at the end of 2025. as this surgery will require me to take 1-2 months off of work, these funds will primarily cover the costs of rent and food while i am unable to work. as with many trans women who choose to pursue this set of surgeries, i will be pursuing them to ensure safety in my day to day life and ease gender dysphoria. any and all donations are wildly appreciated!

</div>

May's Recovery Fund for Facial Surgery (FFS)

<div>On the night of June 1st, 2025, our hearts were shattered. Christopher, a kind, charismatic 19-year-old with his whole life ahead of him, was senselessly and violently taken from us while attending a bonfire with friends; something he has done many times before. The incident involved individuals who were not local, and had no business being there: whose presence and actions brought unimaginable devastation.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Christopher wasn’t just a “good kid”—he was the best. He was the kind of young man who would drop everything to help a friend, offer a smile to a stranger, and light up every room he walked into. Not one person who knew him had a bad word to say—because there wasn’t a bad thing about him. Whether you knew him for years or only crossed paths for a moment, he left an impact.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Now, his entire family is facing the unimaginable- the sudden, heartbreaking loss of their son, brother, and loved one. His parents, Erin, Joe, and Chris, are overwhelmed with grief, along with his siblings Brendan, Kali, Evan, Maddie, Dalton, Bane and countless extended family members who adored him. I have created this GoFundMe to help ease just a small part of their burden during this devastating.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>All funds will go directly to Erin &amp; her family to cover:
</div>
<div>• Funeral and memorial expenses
</div>
<div>• Supporting Erin and Joe while they take time off work to grieve and begin to heal
</div>
<div>• And, in honor of something Christopher was so proud of—his truck—any remaining donations will help pay off his truck loan and allow the family to hold on to a piece of Christopher. We know it would mean the world to him, and will give his family one less thing to worry about.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please give if you can, and if you can’t, please share this to keep Christopher’s light shining. Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your support during this heartbreak.
</div>

Remembering Christopher - A Life Taken Too Soon

<div>It feels so surreal to be writing this but here we are.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A few weeks ago Rhees presented to the ER with an infected abscess that would require a small day surgery. After routine blood work, an abnormality was found in Rhees blood. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He was transferred to GCUH in Southport and has remained there for almost 3 weeks. As you can imagine, this has been a huge shock. His treatment plan began immediately, it has been aggressive and painful and from where we stand now it seems there is a long road ahead. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I am always amazed by the adaptability of the human spirit, and though this is absolutely not a change anyone ever hopes to adapt to, it has been a remarkable show of Rhees’ true heart and character. No matter what manner of agony he is experiencing, no matter how many times he is pricked and prodded or wheeled off for another test, no matter the discomfort or the fevers or the fear, he smiles and thanks every single nurse/doctor/unit staff member that enters his room. He tells them about his beautiful son and how this fight of his life is all for him. He immediately learnt everything there is to learn about his new reality- the names of the meds, the procedures and protocols of the hospital, the names and stories of his nurses- no matter the chaos that is circling around him, his determination to move through each new harrowing phase is astonishing. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Rhees is an extremely proud Dadda to our beautiful son Banjo. For the last few years Rhees and I have embarked on a rollercoaster co-parenting ride, but no matter the challenges faced or the lessons learned, we have remained family with deep love for each other and our boy at the heart of it all. Rhees is a wonderful father to his little B, he loves him with tenderness and great care and has worked so diligently to build a beautiful life for he &amp; Banjo. He loves good music and it’s never not playing in their little farmhouse. Yesterday before he was wheeled off for an MRI, through so much pain and exhaustion he looked over at me and said ‘You know dogs can’t get MRI’s? But cats-can.’ This is Rhees in a nutshell- totally on his knees but cracking dad jokes anyway. We love him with all our hearts.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Rhees has experienced such a generous show of kindness already. All his loved ones flocked from afar in an instant to be by his side for the journey, everyone is reorganising their lives to be able to support him without question- if that doesn’t speak mountains about how truly treasured this man is, I don’t know what does. He has been overwhelmed with gratitude and his eyes light up every time he speaks of this reminder that he is loved, so thank you.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As Rhees’ treatment rolls on, it is becoming evident we are in for a long ride. He will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as he undergoes rigorous chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, blood transfusions, countless tests… the list goes on. As we all know, the world too rolls madly on- there are still bills to pay and expenses ahead that are seen and unforeseen. At the completion of this first round of chemo and observations in hospital, Rhees will be required to stay very close by as he continues his treatment. He will require full-time care through each phase of treatment and recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you know Rhees, you will know it is extremely rare for him to ask for help. He’s the first to offer it though and fiercely supports the ones he loves with whatever he has, big or small. The last thing Rhees needs right now is to be worried about finances, and so we are reaching out to community to step in and support this beautiful man in his time of great need. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The funds raised will go directly towards supporting Rhees through his cancer treatment journey. This includes covering the cost of specialist medical appointments, treatments, and medications, as well as helping with everyday living expenses while he’s unable to work. Your support will also assist with transport to and from the hospital, nutritious meals, and creating a stable, comforting environment for him and our son during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, big or small, will help ease the financial pressure so he can focus fully on healing. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts and please continue to send love and thoughts and prayers his way. 
</div>

Support Rhees through his Leukemia Treatment

<br />Hello! My name is Tim and I'm starting a fundraiser for my best friend of over twenty years, Blake Enos. <br /><br /> On February 24th, Blake went to the emergency room with abdominal pain and was shockingly diagnosed with cancer. We now know that it is stage 4 high-grade B-cell lymphoma. This is an aggressive, fast-growing blood cancer and requires aggressive treatment. He just finished his first of six rounds of chemotherapy, and he's kicking cancer's butt and keeping a positive outlook on his recovery.
<br /><br />That said, Blake's medical expenses will not be fully covered by insurance, and he will be unable to work due to the physical nature of his job as a Land Steward. Financially, this could not come at a harder time since he just finished graduate school with a mountain of student debt, and just set the date for his wedding in the fall.
<br /><br />Ever since we were little, Blake has been the organized planner of our friend group, but this out-of-nowhere diagnosis has made it hard to map out the future. Blake has a challenging and uncertain path ahead, and he needs our help to fight through this difficult time.

<br /><br />I'm making this with hopes that Blake's community can come together and help him beat cancer. So Blake can get back to hiking, identifying plants, cooking elaborate meals, and spending quality time with Danielle. Blake and Danielle officially got married in the hospital last week, but I am launching this fundraiser, selfishly, so I can stand next to him when they have a wedding ceremony. So I can watch him start the rest of his full and adventurous life.

Help Blake Beat Cancer

<div>Natalie Dempsey lost her business, The Cottage Spa &amp; Boutique (located on Via De La Paz), and her residence (a rental apartment) in the Pacific Palisades Fire on Tuesday January 7, 2025.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Natalie believed she had comprehensive insurance on both her business and her rental apartment. As reported in Newsweek’s “These California Insurers Cut Policies Before Devastating Wildfires” (9 Jan. 25) and CBS Moneywatch’s “Thousands of Los Angeles Homeowners Were Dropped by Their Insurers before the Palisades Fire” (9 Jan. 25), thousands of LA residents discovered after the fire that their insurers had cut or reduced their policies. After her losses, Natalie learned that she only had workers’ compensation coverage for The Cottage Spa and nominal coverage for her rental apartment. Everything she’s worked for is gone.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85556557_1736529995165166_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In The Palisades News, The Cottage Spa had been voted runner up for Best Medical/Day Spa in the “Best of Pacific Palisades 2024” contest, an incredible achievement given how small Natalie’s spa was in comparison to the others and given that she’d only owned the spa since Sept. 2022. Born to a 19-year-old single mom, Natalie has never forgotten those early years when they scraped by. The Cottage Spa was evidence of years of hard work: her dream realized. Until it turned to ashes.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>That terrible day, Natalie drove to her apartment to try to save her grandmother’s paintings, her grandparents’ wedding photos, the stained-glass lamp she’d made—all one-of-a-kind precious items. But she quickly had to flee due to the thickening smoke. In the end, she made it out with her life, for which her family and friends will always be grateful, but she couldn’t save much of anything else.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I am a dear friend of Natalie’s mother (who has been swamped with medical bills due to a rare cancer), and I created this GoFundMe page with permission from Natalie and her family. Please donate any amount you can to help her. All funds will be spent on relief from fire losses.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Natalie has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love she has received from friends and family. She is incredibly thankful to have this amazing community. On behalf of the family, we thank you for your support.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Sincerely,
</div>
<div>Liz Lundberg
</div>
<div>Iowa City, IA
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>

Help Palisades Fire Victim Natalie Dempsey!

<div><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2026-wildfire-relief-fund" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>2026 Fund Here</strong></a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>About the fund</strong>
</div>
<div>Wildfires that strike quickly and burn out of control have become increasingly common in the western United States. These fires claim lives, destroy homes and property, and expose communities to harmful smoke. Each year, hundreds of people create fundraisers on the GoFundMe platform asking for help in the wake of a destructive wildfire.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This fund was created to provide direct relief to people in need after a wildfire. Your tax-deductible donation will ensure this fund can support as many people as possible as soon as a disaster strikes. We send critical cash grants directly to people who need help recovering from the impact of a wildfire.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Who we help</strong>
</div>
<div>We deliver cash grants directly to those impacted by domestic (U.S.) wildfires. We grant to verified individuals who qualify and are fundraising for themselves or on behalf of someone else. We may also provide grants to fundraisers benefiting small businesses and community relief efforts, or to vetted nonprofits coordinating long-term recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why donate to this fund?</strong>
</div>
<div>We provide swift support (within a day or two) to individuals and communities who are directly impacted by a wildfire, supporting as many people as we can.
</div>
<div>Donations to this fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. We’ll send you a receipt after you donate.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Stay informed of our impact</strong>
</div>
<div>We’re deeply committed to operating with transparency and strive for maximum impact. We post regular updates to this fund which are emailed directly to donors.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Thank you</strong>
</div>
<div>Thank you for supporting this critical relief fund. Every single donation is meaningful, no matter how small. Together, we can show up for people in times of crisis and let them know they are not alone.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>For more information, <a href="https://www.gofundme.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GoFundMe.org-2025-Wildfire-Relief-Fund.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here to review a one-pager</a> about this fund.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>To donate via DAF, please select the DAF Pay option as the payment method once you click 'donate now' on this page. If you would like to donate to this Fund via stock, ACH/wire, crypto, check, or by Private Foundation please visit our <a href="https://www.gofundme.org/off-platform-donations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offline donation page</a> and we will add your donation to this fund as an offline donation so that your contribution is recognized on this Fund page.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.gofundme.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>GoFundMe</em></a><em>.</em><a href="https://www.gofundme.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>org</em></a><em> is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 81-2279757) that works to swiftly mobilize donations raised to support individuals and communities impacted by crises, natural disasters, and social inequalities. We accept tax-deductible donations from donors into funds created for a specific philanthropic purpose. From these funds, we issue grants to charitable classes of individuals, nonprofit organizations, and charitable projects.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>Donations to this fund are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by U.S. law. Money will be given to verified charitable needs at the discretion of GoFundMe.org.</em>
</div>

2025 Wildfire Relief Fund

<div>We got some very unfortunate news confirmed last night. We were holding out hope and praying for a miracle, but my mom’s house in the Palisades burned down.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>First and most importantly, she and our dogs are safe—but everything else is gone.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85534575_1736528956736495_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My mom’s name is Debbie, and she just moved into this house less than a month ago fulfilling her lifelong dream of moving out to the west coast. Just one week ago we spent the holidays at this house together and she was so happy, so proud of herself for making it out here, for saving up and buying a house in the place she dreamt of living in.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85534575_1736529161574273_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>She has been through so much in life, fought for her dreams, and transformed herself after a divorce two years ago. She gave up her dreams for her marriage, and she gave up her dreams for being a mother, and she gave it all SELFLESSLY.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85534575_173648217918026_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Once all the kids moved out of the house, she built up the courage and strength to choose her own path in life and got a divorce, and started living for herself again. It wasn’t easy but it was a beautiful transformation and one that makes me so proud to be her daughter.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>After all her sacrifice and hard work - this move to California was a fresh start. I can still picture her looking around at the house, smiling and filled with so much joy even though it needed so much renovation and work (which she planned to do over the years as she could afford it).
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85534575_1736529197401337_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And now it’s gone.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>So, I’m reaching out to our community to show her love and support. Here’s how you can help:
</div>
<div>1.	Messages of encouragement &amp; support: Her Instagram is @debbie_lags. She doesn’t have a community in California - the worst possible thing is to feel alone in the face of such great loss and challenges.
</div>
<div>2.	Donations: Literally anything helps—clothing (women’s size 7 shoes and basics), toiletries, groceries, electronics. She has to rebuild her entire life from nothing. If you are a service provider (hairdresser, nail tech, massage therapist, healer, etc.) and you would like to give the gift of your time, we would be immensely grateful.
</div>
<div>3.	GoFundMe: The funds from this campaign will go toward temporary housing, food, dog supplies, and helping her replace essential items she can’t afford. My mom is a dedicated triathlete, and all her gear is gone. Cycling is her happy place, and she won’t be able to buy a new bike without help. In dark times, having small joys is so important.
</div>
<div>4.	Share this post: Please share this post. If you can't donate, it would mean the absolute world to us to be able to help her get back on her feet. We sadly aren’t in a place to be able to financially help her after losing most of our things too- but she needs it more.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85534575_1736529217405011_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you know of any brands willing to collaborate or donate products, we’d love to surprise her with some essentials and joy. As content creators, we’d be happy to work together to rebuild her life and spread the word about their generosity.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My mom is the kind of person who always says, “I’m fine” or, “Someone else has it worse.” But now it’s her turn to receive love and support. She deserves to rebuild not only her life but her dreams.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85534575_1736529263544822_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Sending love to anyone facing challenges like this right now. When we come together as a community, we can overcome anything. ❤️
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Love,
</div>
<div>Nicole &amp; Edden
</div>

Help Support Debbie's Dream

<div><strong>Support Pacific Palisades Fire Victims: Rebuilding Lives Together</strong>
</div>
<div>The recent Pacific Palisades fires have brought unimaginable devastation to our community, destroying homes and leaving families with little more than the clothes on their backs. Among those affected is my dear friend Whaka, whose home was lost in the fire. But this tragedy is not his alone—many of his neighbors and friends are also grappling with the overwhelming loss of their homes, cherished belongings, and a sense of stability. My name is Josh Young. I am a father of 4 living in St Louis. Whaka is my best friend. He and his friends need help! This GoFundMe was created to help Whaka and others in the community struggling to rebuild their lives after this disaster. The funds raised will provide critical support to those affected and ensure they have the necessary resources to take the first steps toward recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Where Will the Money Go?</strong>
</div>
<div>We aim to prioritize the most urgent needs while supporting long-term recovery efforts. The funds will be distributed across several areas, including:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Basic Necessities</strong>
</div>
<div>For families who have lost everything, replacing the basics is critical. Your donations will help provide food, clothing, toiletries, school supplies for children, and other essentials to those starting over from scratch.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why This Matters</strong>
</div>
<div>Whaka has expressed his desire to make this fundraiser not just about his recovery but also about supporting his neighbors and friends who have been similarly impacted. This spirit of community makes Pacific Palisades so unique—a place where neighbors look out for one another, especially in times of need.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Your contribution will help Whaka rebuild his life and ensure that many others in the community receive the assistance they so desperately need. <strong>By coming together, we can provide a lifeline to those facing an uncertain future and help them find hope amid the ashes.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Every Dollar Makes a Difference</strong>
</div>
<div>Whether you can give $5 or $500, every donation is a step toward rebuilding lives. Sharing this fundraiser with your network is another powerful way to help if you cannot contribute financially.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly challenging time. Together, we can help Whaka and the Pacific Palisades community rise from this tragedy more potent than ever.
</div>

Aid Pacific Palisades Fire Victims

<div>Hello everyone,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and a plea for help. Our son, and brother, Caleb, a passionate mountain climber and dedicated tower climber for a telecom company, recently experienced a life-altering accident. While climbing in Yosemite, Caleb had a significant fall, fracturing his back and suffering a severe spinal cord injury. As a result, he is now paralyzed from the waist down.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Caleb’s love for climbing and adventure has always been a significant part of his life. His job as a tower climber allowed him to combine his passion with his profession. Unfortunately, due to his injury, Caleb will no longer be able to continue his work or pursue his climbing dreams in the same way.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are raising funds to support Caleb’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, necessary home modifications, and daily living expenses as he works to adjust with this new reality. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with your support, we can help Caleb regain his independence and adapt to his new life.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Caleb has always been a fighter, and we believe that with the right support, he can overcome these obstacles and find new ways to thrive. Your kindness and generosity will make a world of difference in his journey to recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for taking the time to read Caleb’s story and for any support you can provide.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With heartfelt gratitude,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The McDonald Family
</div>

Help Caleb Rebuild His Life After Devastating Fall

<div>On June 26th, Jordan was injured (not skydiving) in a near fatal accident. Both legs were hurt, his right leg - severely - a broken femur begins the list of broken parts. Though, his prognosis is good, healing has been slow. It will be a few months to a year before he can (fully) walk. A savvy and skilled athlete, he loves the mountains. He lives, works, and plays near Yosemite National Park. It goes without saying, he can’t swiftly go back to work. A gifted skydiver/Tandem Instructor, Jordan loves his job - is well respected in his field. With his joyful yet calm style, he’s adept at guiding folks through fear - introducing them to the sky!  Despite this life setback, he remains cheerful, hopeful, grateful to be alive. If you know him, you know he tends to seek the good in "bad.” Also, if you know him, you know he has a will of steel - fierce independence; but even the most self-reliant can (sometimes) need help. Jordan needs  our help now. He has a long road…Please donate if you can. His financial stress looms large.
</div>

Help Jordan's Healing Journey

<div>Help Abby Weiss Heal and Reclaim Her Life After a Devastating Spinal Cord Injury
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Abby Weiss, a 32-year-old vibrant and passionate woman, suffered a severe spinal cord injury during acroyoga, a sport she loved. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This accident has left her paralyzed from the neck down. As a dedicated pediatric speech therapist and business owner, Abby has always served her community with compassion. Her love for life extended to hobbies like acroyoga, Zouk dancing, hiking, yoga, learning Spanish, and world travel. 
</div>
<div>Abby moved from Chicago to San Diego to be closer to the ocean 8 years ago and never looked back.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Currently in the ICU, Abby's journey to recovery will be long and challenging. She will need funds for medical equipment, pain management sessions, transportation to relocate back to Chicago, and continued medical care.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Your support can help Abby regain her strength and independence. Please donate to aid in her recovery and bring her closer to doing what she loves again. Every contribution is deeply appreciated.
</div>

Help Abby Weiss Heal and Reclaim Her Life

<div>Hello,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As you know, Sebastien Plourde passed away on March 8th from a skydiving accident, leaving his wife (Amanda Wojtaszek-Plourde) and his daughter (Zofia Plourde) grieving his loss. We all know that Sebastien was one of the nicest and kindest human beings, and we're asking you to consider making a donation to support Amanda and Zofia during this dark period - they need all the support we can provide right now. Thank you for your generosity.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Bonjour,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Comme vous le savez, Sébastien Plourde est décédé le 8 mars des suites d'un accident de parachutisme, laissant son épouse (Amanda Wojtaszek-Plourde) et sa fille (Zofia Plourde) dans le deuil. Nous savons tous que Sébastien était l'un des êtres humains les plus gentils, et nous vous demandons d'envisager de faire un don pour soutenir Amanda et Zofia pendant cette période sombre - ils ont besoin de tout le soutien que nous pouvons leur apporter en ce moment. Merci de votre générosité.
</div>

Support for Amanda and Zofia

<div>Hi, I'm raising money to help my friend Ray out with a repair needed for his van. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Tina has been a special home for Ray, he loves this van and it's a home that let's him keep caring for  his dog Jade. It's a safe, independent space, and allows Ray to travel and make music. But it requires a new engine and the repair is quoted $16-20k. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>After the van break down, Ray's Corolla was also broken into, and a lot of his stuff was stolen :,( 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please show any support you can. Life is crazy and I believe in our community ❤️
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>

Repair Tina the Van

<div>Late Monday night, an RV parked next to Krissy's bus unexpectedly caught fire, causing the flames to spread to her own vehicle. Krissy lived and traveled full time in her self-converted skoolie. Fortunately, the dogs were safely rescued in time, and no personal harm occurred. Unfortunately, Krissy had been preparing to leave early the following morning for a van event and had thoroughly packed all her belongings, food, and supplies into her rig. In addition to other clients and her boyfriend's personal items as well. All she had left the next morning was what she had been wearing; a pair of chacos, t-shirt, sweats, and her 2 dogs.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>By the time the firefighters arrived at the scene, the bus had been reduced to ashes, with nothing left to salvage. Not only did Krissy and her pets lose everything they owned and needed, but they also lost their home and daily means of transportation. While we're grateful that everyone is safe, Krissy finds herself with nothing left.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We humbly request the support of our community to help Krissy get back on her feet and provide the necessary care for her pets, who need daily medical treatment that is very costly. Your generous contributions will go a long way in helping Krissy rebuild her life and ensure the well-being of her animal companions.
</div>

Help Krissy After Devastating Skoolie Fire

<div>Thank you for all your support! We made our goal and are now onto our next water and land return. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Manahuu Relatives, we are grateful to share<strong> an exciting opportunity with you and invite you to participate and support us</strong> as we launch our fundraising campaign to return Water &amp; Land Back to Indigenous Care!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Since time immemorial, <strong>Payahuunadü </strong>(Owens Valley) has been home to the Nüümü (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) people. Located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, the local name, <strong>"place of the flowing water,"</strong> is reflective of the abundant water flowing down from the mountains.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Unfortunately, the land is primarily controlled by outside entities, and the water has been stolen and exported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) since 1913. LADWP owns 95% of the valley floor, while the tribes combined own 1/3 of 1%. Learn more here <a href="https://www.oviwc.org/storymap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Owens Valley Story Map</a>.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Among the 1.6% of lands in private ownership, <strong>Three Creeks</strong> is a rare 5-acre oasis owned by Gigi Coyle and collectively cared for by many stewards over the last 30 years.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>In September of 2022, Gigi accepted a proposal from the </strong><a href="https://www.oviwc.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Owens Valley Indian Water Commission (OVIWC)</strong></a><strong> with support from core partners to purchase Three Creeks for $900,000 and return the water and land back into indigenous care.</strong> Gigi has already given us a generous start by offering this watering hole well below market value.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This opportunity will provide space for our Collective to nurture connections that build alliances, bring attention to local/global water issues, contribute to food sovereignty, support cultural revitalization, and engage youth in community with global stewards.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>We Urgently Need Your Support to Meet our First Fundraising Goal of $900K by February 21st! </strong>This is the first phase in a longer-range goal of raising $2,000,000<strong> </strong>total to cover maintenance, building repair and stewardship.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please consider supporting us by <strong>making a monetary tax-exempt contribution</strong> today and help us reach our goals!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>For contributions over $1000, checks can be made to the </strong>Owens Valley Indian Water Commission and mailed to 46 TuSu Lane, Bishop, CA 93514 or contact Teri Red Owl at (760) [phone redacted].
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>By returning Three Creeks to Indigenous care and building upon what has been held here, this 5-acre sanctuary will offer holistic connections to:
</div>
<ul>
<li><strong>Culture</strong>
</li>
<li><strong>Food Sovereignty, Land Stewardship &amp; Water Protection</strong>
</li>
<li><strong>Healing</strong>
</li>
<li><strong>Relationship Building</strong>
</li>
<li><strong>Education &amp; Art</strong>
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Three Creeks will be a safe place where Indigenous people can begin healing from the historical traumas caused by displacement and loss of culture while continuing to welcome and invite global, regional, and local stewards to collaborate and heal. Collectively, we will nurture and care for the land, water, and spirit of Three Creeks.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As the <strong>first Water &amp; Land Back example</strong> in our region, this project will be a stepping stone for expanding the land base of the Indigenous people of Payahuunadü. Our work will serve as a model that can be replicated to acquire other privately owned properties and lands in the area and the entire valley.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Walking and listening together will bring healing and space to help us remember who we are and what is ours to do together.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission and core partners Teena Pugliese and Jen Schlaich have come together to form Three Creeks Collective.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.oviwc.org/oviwc-staff/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>OVIWC</strong></a> is an Indigenous-led consortium made up of three Tribes <strong>(Bishop, Big Pine and Lone Pine Tribes)</strong> that was established in 1991 to assist the original stewards of the land with securing water rights, acquiring land, protecting the environment, expanding agriculture, educating youth, stewarding the land, and reclaiming Indigenous knowledge.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://radiclewellness.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Radicle Wellness LLC (Jen Schlaich)</strong></a> partners people+plants to re-inspire relationships where we each hold a central role in the cultivation of individual, community, and environmental health.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.lightmachinearts.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Teena Pugliese</strong></a> is a youth mentor, facilitator and digital artist focused on land stewardship and building community with people, place, and planet. She has a passion for using storytelling &amp; performance as pathways toward healing &amp; connection.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Led by Indigenous partners and supported by non-indigenous relatives, Three Creeks Collective is committed to the care, protection, and sharing of these sacred lands and waters.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>Filmed and Edited by Three Creeks Collective Core Partner Teena Pugliese</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>To see a longer version of our film visit: </em><a href="https://vimeo.com/775648108/10a7f9c690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em><a href="https://vimeo.com/775648108/10a7f9c690" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://vimeo.com/775648108/10a7f9c690</a></em></a>
</div>

Water & Land Back to Indigenous Care

<div>Hello,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My name is Desiree Bates. I work at UW-Madison with Pam Doolittle. I have known Pam for over a decade and consider her a friend and mentor. Pam, and her husband Dan, learned Christmas evening that their daughter, Cassy Doolittle, sent out a distress call while rock climbing in Argentina. Two days later, they received the devastating news that their daughter had perished. During this difficult time, I seek your help in supporting the Doolittle family by helping them to bring Cassy home.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Cassy was a graduate student at the University of Las Vegas, working on a PhD in the field of neuroscience. Over the holiday break, Cassy set out on an expedition to go mountain climbing in Argentina. She was an experienced climber and had a thirst for adventure. After experiencing travel difficulties, Pam and Dan offered her a plane ticket home to safety. Cassy was as stubborn as she was fearless. Determined to finish what she started, she continued her journey. At about 10:00 pm on Christmas Day, Cassy hit trouble due to freezing rain and high winds. She perished. Her body could not be recovered due to unforgiving terrain and too few rescue volunteers. Her parents have hired a team to recover her remains and transport her to a funeral home. The Doolittle Family will honor their promise to Cassy by getting her that plane ticket home.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Cassy was loved by her family, friends, and community. Here are some tributes in her honor.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Nichole, Cassy's sister:
</div>
<div><em>"My sister was the strongest person I’ve ever known. She laughed with her whole heart, loved so fiercely, and lived every moment with all she had to give. Cassy passed away in a rock climbing accident, doing the thing she loved more than anything in this entire world. She was an artist and a fighter. I love you Cas. If you’re somewhere out there in the blue, I hope you never stop climbing to the sky.”</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Amanda, Cassy's sister-in-law:
</div>
<div><em>Selfishly, I feel kind of slighted. I valued our relationship so much, but knew it was only the beginning. We didn’t grow up together. I didn’t get to have you as a sister all my life, but you became one so quickly. It was like a switch. You went from being a stranger to a sister almost instantly. I felt incredibly connected to you, protective of you, and honestly a little envious of you and that fire of yours.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>You were so much like me in so many ways, and in the ways you were not… now, those were the most magical pieces of yourself. You were fearless, and confident, and had this incredible way of making other people feel like they weren’t living enough. Hard enough. Free enough. Fulfilled enough. It may not sound like it, but it was a superpower. Pure magic.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>We had several conversations in the last couple of years, that even if we were lucky enough to have you with us longer, they would’ve always stayed with me in some way. You just lit me up. It was so clear that you were living an aspirational state of cognitive consonance. You radiated joy and purpose, and made me crave things I didn’t even know I wanted. </em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>I can only just echo what the countless people who love you have said, but I don’t think those who didn’t get to know you will truly ever get it. I have never met another person like you, and I can honestly say that I don’t think I ever will. </em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>I think everyone right is questioning if they could have done more to change this outcome, but I think anyone who truly knew Cassy knows that she was almost as stubborn as she was brave. She would get such a tunnel vision around her goals. She knew what she wanted, and once it was in her head nothing could stop her. It was infuriating. And, that was her.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>‘Till next time, sister.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>She was a hockey player. Her mom writes:
</div>
<div><em>A tribute I would like to share from the Sauk Prairie Youth Hockey Association. Would it surprise anyone that Cassy insisted on playing on the boys' team as long as she was allowed? She was "The Great Wall of China", and was a force the forwards contended with as they made attempts on goal. We were and are proud parents. Thank you for all the love and support, dear friends. </em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/70154059_167233275435709_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/70154059_167233294923227_r." width="100%" />
<div>Photo from SPYHA.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Sauk Prairie Music Association:
</div>
<div><em>It is with great sadness that we share the loss of 2015 Sauk Prairie graduate Cassy Doolittle. Cassy was kindness in human form. </em>
</div>
<div><em>You may remember her as the first soloist in our Aida show, or as the sassiest Babette in Beauty and the Beast. She was the student that stood up to bullies and welcomed everyone into the group. She was the person that younger students would seek out for advice or support. She was musically gifted, and had a style unlike anyone we have ever worked with. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a light.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/70154059_1672332771788680_r." width="100%" />
<div>Photo from SPMA.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Cece and Cassy’s climbing friends in Joshua Tree National Park, California:
</div>
<div><em>Cassy meant so much to our community. I can’t stress that enough to her family and friends who didn’t get to see this part of her life. Cassy was smart and strong, emotionally intuitive and always willing to talk about anything and everything. She was the friend you could lean on, or reach out to when you needed support. For those who don’t really know or understand that part of Cassy’s life I will try to explain in a few words below:</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>We are a group of people who live and breath rock climbing, Cassy fit right in on day one. We travel the United States and beyond following weather patterns, good temperatures and amazing rock. There is a group of about 50 of us in total, but we travel with between 10-25 people at any given time between climbing destinations. Some of Cassy’s favorites were Index, Washington (where she climbed for the first time with her brother, Kevin), Joshua Tree National Park, California, Yosemite National Park, California, Devils Lake, Wisconsin, Indian Creek, Utah, and Red Rocks, Nevada. As you can see Cassy traveled far and wide with her friends and partners.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>She was a master of charcuterie boards and taught me about the secret of dipping pickles in honey, I didn’t even like pickles until she showed me that. Cassy was the most STOKED person I have ever met in my entire life. She had this insane fire and passion for pushing herself. She was not afraid and she taught us not to be afraid either. This fall in Yosemite Valley National Park Cassy started projecting an epic climb called “Astroman.” On day one she took a factor 2 fall on the second pitch anchor. On day two she didn’t make it much further on the route. On day three she went up there with a fresh partner and again didn’t make it much farther. I should mention that these three days were back to back… After day three, she decided she needed to rest, we went down to the river and stretched and ate meat and cheese and Its-It (the best ice cream treat in Yosemite). She went through the route and gear in her mind and with other friend’s who had climbed the route. She wasn’t going to back down, that wasn’t like Cassy. A day or two later she went up there with yet another fresh partner and climbed it in spectacular fashion. While she didn’t finish, or send, the route that day she did make incredible progress and it only fueled her fire for her next go at it. Unfortunately Cassy won’t get another go at Astroman or any of the other hundreds of climbs she had on her “tick list.” Thats where we come in. We loved Cassy and Cassy loved us. There is absolutely no one else like her on this earth and we are working together to finish her tick list of climbs.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>I can only speak from her community of folks on the road, but I know that she had many little pockets of climbing communities who she loved dearly and who love her.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>I want to thank the group of people who are working to get Cassy’s body back home safely. I know it is a difficult task and I appreciate your work, expertise and willingness to help us get our girl back.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>We’ve been thinking and talking about how if Cassy were to go to “heaven” after her death, she would have just woken back up where she was and kept on climbing. You will be missed Cassy, but never forgotten.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>thank you again and always sending love to your family and friends,</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>Love, Cece and Cassy’s climbing friends in Joshua Tree National Park, California.</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/70154059_1672437940445798_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/70154059_1672437954888414_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/70154059_16724379744967_r." width="100%" />
<div>Photos by Charlie Stoker.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please help this shining star, Cassy Doolittle, find her way to her family. Any donation will help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Desiree Bates.
</div>

Help us bring Cassy Doolittle home

<div>Hey! My name is Billie. I've never made a GoFundMe before.. so bare with me! :)
</div>
<div>One of my closest friends, Keon, has been trying to sell his van for the past couple of months. However, a little over a week ago.. he became the victim of a scam. The scam artist that he was in communication with pretended to have an interest in buying his van. The two of them sent over 50 emails back and forth, all of which I read. I was appalled by how articulate and manipulative this scam artist was. In the end, the scam artist sent Keon a personal check for $3,900, which was supposed to be a "deposit" for Keon's van. Then, he persuaded Keon to return the money to him via a CASHIER'S check. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Read this next section if you don't know the difference between a personal check and a Cashier's check. This information will hopefully help you to not get scammed in the future. If you don't care or already know this stuff, please continue to the next bolded section to finish Keon's story.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A <em>personal check</em> is a money transfer from one person's bank account to another person's bank account. But here's a crazy scenario: Let's say... Your friend John writes you a personal check for $10,000. Even if John doesn't have $10,000 in his bank....he can still legally write this personal check. However, John's bank will eventually cancel that transaction once they see that he doesn't have enough money to complete it. The sucky part about this?... If your bank works faster than John's bank.. they will clear everything and tell you that you can go ahead and start spending that $10,000. So, let's say.. You went and bought a $1,000 bike right after the check "cleared." 2 days later, John's bank realizes that John didn't have $10,000 to be sending, so they cancel everything. Now, all of a sudden, your bank account just lost that $10,000 AND you already bought a $1,000 bike... so now your account is NEGATIVE $1,000. Moral of the story? Personal checks suck. Don't trust them until you've called BOTH of the participating banks.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>A cashier's check</em> is basically like cash. Much more trustworthy. You have to have the amount that you're sending, and it can't be cancelled afterwards.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Back to the story...</strong> 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>So, Keon's bank approved the scam artist's personal check for $3,900 after 2 days. On the third day, the scam artist convinced Keon to send a cashier's check back to him. Then, on the fourth day... the original personal check became void. But it was too late.. because Keon had already sent the cashier's check. So now, Keon's bank account balance is -$4,000. Keon and I sat on the phone for an hour and a half with his bank.. trying to figure out if there was ANYTHING that could be done. The woman on the other end of the phone was extremely empathetic, but she said that the only thing we could do is file a police report and hope that this scam artist isn't able to go after somebody else.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Keon holds a very special place in my heart because we come from similar backgrounds in terms of financial struggle, broken families, and a less than superb education in our youth. When I first moved to San Diego, he was one of the only people that I was able to connect with on this basis. And... funny enough... he was also one of the most positive and happy people around. All of that being said, he's never even had $4,000 to spare. And now... he's negative $4,000 ... and he might end up needing to declare bankruptcy in order to keep his bank from sending him to collections. I'm hoping that this GoFundMe can stop that from happening.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The worst part about scam artists is that they go after the most vulnerable people.. the ones who don't know the logistics of these situations. It easily could have been me! I had no clue about the difference between personal checks and cashier's checks prior to this happening. But.. at the very least.. I hope that this post will bring awareness, knowledge, and protect a few more people from this terrible ordeal.
</div>

Help Keon Tilghman Recover From a Scam!!

<div>I went missing in a different city after my phone, keys, and credit card were stolen from my purse last week!! That night I made my way back to my hotel, but the next morning I had no way of telling my friends or family I was stranded (no phone). That's when the hotel concierge called an uber for me to get to a phone store.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As my rental car was getting towed because I had no keys, the uber driver that picked me up, Raul Torres, saw that I was in need. Even though I was scared, I told him I'd figure it out and just needed a ride to buy phone. He wouldn't accept that and insisted on staying with me until he knew I was going to get home. His instincts were right, and thankfully he didn't just drop me off!!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I was unable to get a new phone, (I didn't have access to my phone plan of course), so he sacrificed his entire day to make sure I was safe. He picked me up for what he thought would be a normal ride that morning and never left my side. After I couldn't get a phone, we got coffee, he brought me to a police station and helped me file a police report, he got me food, helped me get a rental car, and by the end of the day, he ended up figuring out how to track down my phone, so I didn't even need to get a new one! What could’ve turned into an emergency situation felt like a fun day with a new friend because of Raul.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>He picked me up at 10 AM and stayed with me until I had everything I needed to get home at 6 PM, which should have been his entire day of work. When we decided to go to a Mexican restaurant for food, he started showing me pictures of him and his family. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I learned that Raul has a daughter in high school who is currently struggling through chemo. He told me all he wants is for his daughter to have a normal end to her senior year, and to be able to go to big events like prom and graduation. After speaking to him and his wife, I realized how lucky I was to have gotten that specific Uber ride. I want to help any way I can, so a Gofundme seems like the best way. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Raul's dad has cancer as well and is under their care, so his family is currently caring for two family members with cancer in one house. Meeting Raul reminded me that we meet people for a reason, and I'd love to say thank you!! Anything helps :)
</div>

The Torres Family

On Friday evening our dear friend/brother/son/boyfriend was in an unpredictable climbing accident on El Gigante, Mexico. Nolan and his partner Aaron Livingston were climbing on the route 'Logical Progression'. While leading on pitch 14 Nolan took a rest on a small ledge, the ledge broke suddenly beneath him, cutting his rope as he fell 1500 vertical feet. <br /><br />While the devastation from this accident sits heavy and incomprehensible. It left grieving friends and family scrambling into a logistical rescue nightmare of how to get Nolan home and how to also rescue his partner Aaron who was stranded smack dab in the middle of the 28000 ft of wall. To approach El Gigante is a 4 hours drive into the village from Chihuahua  Mexico, then a 2-hour drive to the top of the road, followed by a one and a half hour hike into the wall. In which you must then rappel in from the top of the monster face.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46029154_1583680905998474_r.jpeg" alt="46029154_1583680905998474_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />We are relieved to say that with help from the Mexican climbing community Aaron is now safe on top, big thank you to Tiny Almada &amp; Jose David Martinez "Bicho". A team will be heading into the mountains to retrieve Nolan and bring him safely home. Nolan's family, Richard, Daidri &amp; Ryan Smythe and beloved girlfriend Savannah and joined in Mexico with the support of friends: Angela Vanwiermeersch, Kiersa Koepnick, Sasha DiGiulian &amp; Jordanna Weimer. Big thank you to the local military and locals who are helping with retrieval efforts. <br /><br />This fund is to help support Nolan's family, Richard, Daidri &amp; Ryan Smythe and Nolan's girlfriend, Savannah, while they pick up the pieces. Also, for any additional costs not covered by the rescue support. Donations of all sizes are much appreciated, <strong>everything helps!</strong><br /><br />We hope with your help we can alleviate some of the stress that Savannah and Nolan's family are dealing with. As the rescue moves forward we are happy to update friends and family on efforts, to keep everyone at ease. <br /><br />Please send positive thoughts, and share your stories of Nolan. Any cards or well wishes can be sent through to:<br /><br />Richard &amp; Daidri Smythe <br />315 Vivelle ave<br />Nashville, TN 37210<br /><br />Savannah Cummins<br />1156 e 3300 #312<br />Millcreek, UT 84106<br /><br /><a href="https://gripped.com/news/american-nolan-smythe-dies-in-mexico-climbing-accident/"><a href="https://gripped.com/news/american-nolan-smythe-dies-in-mexico-climbing-accident/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://gripped.com/news/american-nolan-smythe-dies-in-mexico-climbing-accident/</a></a><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46029154_1583681878697963_r.jpeg" alt="46029154_1583681878697963_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Bring Nolan Home

<strong>Let's set up that vet hospital!!<br /></strong><br />I set up WECare Worldwide in 2014 (UK charity 1162386, Sri Lankan NGO FL-159116) with the aim of providing veterinary care to dogs in need. As a vet, I feel as though no animal in the world should be left to suffer and I wanted to take some steps towards trying to make sure this didn't happen. So, I packed my bags, moved to Sri Lanka and set about my little plan!<br /><br />It's been 2.5 years since I made that decision and it has certainly been an emotional rollercoaster! I started out just picking up a few injured street dogs here and there and either treating them at my house or on the street. I quickly realised that it was all well and good doing the treatments, but I wasn't addressing the bigger issues at hand- the overpopulation of street dogs (3 million in a country the size of Ireland) and the poor education surrounding the subject of animal welfare and community dog care. So, I then started setting up large neutering and vaccination programmes whereby the WECare Team (UK volunteers and SL staff) would neuter and vacc 70 dogs per day, resulting in a huge decrease in the number of unwanted puppies on the streets in our area. We also began carrying out education programmes in schools, community centres and government vet facilities. <br /><br />Anyway, long story short- the workload has massively increased but we are still as broke as ever! Popping back to the UK or Dubai to work as a locum vet raises some funds for us but it also means everything has to grind to a halt whilst I am doing so.  Which is sort of counterproductive and annoying! It's frustrating as we can see the results of our work every day but raising funds to carry it out/make sure the charity is sustainable is tricky. I was fortunate enough to be awarded 'Vet of the Year 2016' at the Animal Heroes Awards and to receive a Point of Light Award from PM David Cameron, which raised awareness but didn't quite bring funds along with it.<br /><br />We hope to set up and run a fully-equipped veterinary hospital on the south coast (the first of its kind outside of Colombo). In a country where there are around 20,000 road traffic accidents involving dogs per year, we certainly need more than the 2 xray machines which are currently on the island (in Colombo). We would also hope to have ultrasound, gas anaesthetic plus all of the other 'basics' that we would see in a UK practice. We feel as though the street dogs deserve the very best and that is what we are here to give them. We don't want to do things by halves.<br /><br />The hospital would serve all street dogs for injuries/illness but also give us a base to carry out daily neutering and vaccination alongside the large, outreach clinics that we do. We would also open up to owned dogs for a fee which would then go straight back into the non-profit hospital. We will use the WECare Hospital as a teaching base as well to provide sustainability and an improved outlook for animals all over the country.<br />I cannot stress how vital this hospital will be in terms of both saving individual lives and also in terms of preventing future problems for the beautiful dogs of Sri Lanka. <br /><br />Please, please help us to set up and run the hospital for a year. The street dogs need us.<br />This video runs through what we do on the island.. Please take a look!<br /><iframe media_type="0" media_id="Jjathd4VQ-g" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Jjathd4VQ-g/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe><br />Feel free to check out our website at <a href="http://www.wecareworldwide.org.uk" target="_blank">www.wecareworldwide.org.uk</a> <br /><br />#becauseWECare

WECare- 'Save SriLanka Street Dogs'

It's an honor to get to share this story, Jenny's story, that gives a whole new meaning to the word "nest egg", is evidence of real life miracles, and hopefully serves as an invitation for you to be one of Jenny's helping hands! <br /><br />The past few months for her have been a whirlwind sequence of events, and offer a stark contrast between the excitement and hope of starting a new life, and the fear of losing it all together.   <br /><br /><strong>September 13th</strong><br />Ready for a big life change, Jenny listed her beautiful little home in Daybreak.  She decided it was time to put the past behind her.  As the vibrant, energetic woman she is, she was ready to fully embrace a new life, dedicate more time to her favorite acrobatic sports, and enjoy a new loving relationship.  At the age of 38, life was calling her on new adventures!<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481473781.3995_funddescription.png" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>September 19th</strong><br /> Jenny received a full price offer on her home!  She was excited about the closure this brought to that phase of her life, and felt grateful to set aside her equity nest egg for her future.  <br /><br /><strong>September 21st </strong><br /> Jenny went in to her family doctor for her routine lady check up.  Due to a symptom she was experiencing in her right breast, from a non-threatening benign Papilloma, her doctor ordered a mammogram just to be safe. <br /><br /><strong>September 30th</strong><br /> Jenny signed the lease on her new rental home.  She was full of hope and ready to discover what happiness really looked like for her. <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481565132.0687_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /> <strong>October 4th</strong><br />Jenny went in for her mammogram, and things didn't look quite right.  <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481472696.9879_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /> <br />If you are anything like me, then these mammogram results just look like "space, the final frontier."  The white specs are actually Microcalcifications.  The doctor said having as many as she did, spread out as it was, really looked like cancer.  In the doctor's words, "With your young age and no family history of cancer, I would be shocked if it was, but the way this looks, I also would be surprised if it wasn't."  In short, he gave her a 50/50 chance that it was cancer, and ordered a biopsy.  <br /><br /><strong>October 5th - 8th</strong><br /> Jenny attended the Divine Play Festival in Portland, Oregon.  Despite the 50/50 cancer news that took a permanent parking space in her mind, Jenny continued to express her personal divinity through her love of acrobatics.  Knowing her cirque arts, the thing that made her feel so alive, could be short lived, was a dark cloud looming over her.  She still found her smiles and joy in the air, and was a light to be around. <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481565357.5444_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>October 11th</strong><br />Biopsy day. Jenny was ordered two different biopsies: an ultrasound biopsy, and a stereo static biopsy.  She experienced some complications in the second biopsy, which made the week long wait for her results seem even longer, as she was instructed not to move much.  That's worse than taking candy from a baby! Committed to her quick recovery, Jenny stayed grounded from cirque arts,  and also in her hope for healing.   <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481474566.0185_funddescription.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>October 19th</strong><br />A nurse called Jenny with results.  Her voice was so cheerful, Jenny thought whe was going to hear the news that it was only a benign Papilloma, and nothing more. Over the phone, with a seemingly audilbe smile, the nurse said, "<strong>you have cancer</strong>."   <br /><br />Three words that change everything.  <br /><br />I always thought these diagnoses were delivered in person, like in the movies.  With your favorite person sitting beside you holding your hand.  Instead, Jenny received the news while she was at work.  She happened to be in front of her white board and  numbly jotted down the her results and the following day's appointment.  She immediately left her office and texted her boss before she drove away, "Have cancer, be out the rest of the day." <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481778285.7829_funddescription.png" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br /><strong>October 24th</strong><br /> While Jenny closed the door on her old life with the close of the sale on her house, it wasn't the celebration she had anticipated.  Her life had completely turned on its hinges, almost one month to the date of that first doctor's exam.  She had already wracked up overwhelming medical copay bills, and the news just seemed to get more overwhelming. <br /><br />Soon after closing on her house, Jenny learned that following the surgery and radiation she was scheduled to receive, she would have to begin a daily regimen of Tamoxifen for the next ten years.  Tamoxifen is basically a type of oral chemotherapy, for women who's cancer was hormone receptor positive. (ie; it was fed by Estrogen and Progesterone.)  The drug will block the hormones in her body completely.  Ladies, before you get jealous that she isn't going to have to deal with PMS ever again, the side effect also means she'll experience immediate menopause.  <strong>It will make it impossible for her to have children.</strong><br /> <br /><strong>November 2nd </strong><br /> Lumpectomy Surgery #1<br /> Surgery of any kind is pretty wild, because protocol is the patient simply gets to go to sleep.  The conscious mind rests while others work to fix the seemingly unfixable.  So Jenny’s experience from her perspective that day can be summarized like this: checking in early, going to sleep, and waking up with half a boob!  It wasn't until after the surgery that she was finally able to take a breath of fresh air.  Her boyfriend, Daniel, waited in the foyer through her surgery and subsequent tests.  He was first to get the miraculous news that the cancer hadn't spread through the rest of her body.  He wept for the good news, and looked forward with hope for her fast recovery.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481566985.7829_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>November 10th </strong><br />Lumpectomy Surgery #2<br />In her second surgery, the amazing Dr. Kieryn was able to remove every trace of cancer before it had spread anywhere else in her body.  Biopsies showed the invasive cancer had begun to grow but measures were taken in the nick of time! It was finally confirmed, Jenny was cancer free!<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481783161.7949_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>November 19th</strong><br />Cancer free, and on the fast track towards menopause.  The silver lining for Jenny was, SCIENCE IS AMAZING, and she was a prime candidate to undergo fertility preservation treatment before her radiation began.   Jenny only had a 9 day window to heal from her surgery before she had to begin a two week fertility cycle with daily injections and hopefully a healthy egg retrieval at the end! <br />  <br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481567120.4742_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>December 2nd</strong><br />After a really succesful fertility cycle, Jenny underwent sugery for her egg retrieval.  Again, she received anesthesia and went to sleep.   But this time, instead of cutting out disease, the doctor retrieved the beginnings of life!  In total they were able to retrieve 24 eggs!  Jenny sure is grateful they won't all be babies! <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481567182.4514_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>December 8th</strong><br />Jenny and Daniel, received a phone call with AMAZING news this time!  Their fertility treatment yielded seven  healthy embryos.  That same day she went in for her first radiation conslutation to begin her daily radiation treatment for the next 6 weeks.  The joys and pains of her experience were truly piled on top of eachother.  And in the same way Jenny approaches the trapeze, she trusted the process while simultaneously giving 100% effort and holding on for dear life. <br /><br /><strong>December 12th</strong><br />Jenny has maintained hope through the entire process.  She refused to let cancer define her, or allow the medical bills to keep her spirits down.  In fact, in the midst of her debilitating treatment, Jenny still had the special gift of lifting the spirits of everyone around her.  She's only weeks away from finishing radiation treatment, beating cancer, being in the air again, and most importantly, preparing for the possibility of her own posterity.  I can only imagine with Jenny and Daniel for parents, their future children might be flying before they are walking! <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481782327.2755_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><strong>Today!</strong><br />This Go Fund Me is being set up on behalf of Jenny, because nobody should have to pay for their own cancer!   We want to be <strong>Jenny's helping hands</strong>, and buy her cancer and fertility treatments, like she's a good date and it's our treat!  The truth is, she IS a really good life date.  The kind you want to last forever!    <strong><br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/16637038_1481606983.1803_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></strong><br />Fertility preservation treatments, surprisingly, aren't covered at all by insurance.  Plus she has a mountain of copays.  Even though Jenny had an equity nest egg to cover the immedate cost of retreiving her eggs, we want to help her get her medical bills down to zero! That's why our goal is to raise 15k!<br /><br />- Copays $3,000<br />- Fertility Treatment $6,200<br />- Estimates for Embryo Implantation Into a Surrogate (pick me pick me!) $6,000<br /><br /><strong>You can be one of Jenny's helping hands!</strong>  No matter how hard we try, we can't give Jenny her complete right breast back, but we can give her something else, something just as healing.  Right now, your hands can help simply by clicking to donate!   Together we can help her repair the financial crisis cancer can left in it's wake.   <br /><br />If you live in Utah, you can also have FUN while you help her cause by attending the Black &amp; White Cirque Party fundraising event on April 1st. <a href="http://www.bit.ly/black-white-party" target="_blank">Details and tickets here.</a> <br /><br />If you know Jenny, you know this sequence of events had no impact on her glowing smile.   This gofundme is really all about that, being her helping hands so we can keep her smile around for a long long time, inspite of all the odds.  With any luck, we'll get the chance to see a baby with her smile as well, and I promise that will make the world a better place for everyone!

Healing Hands for Jenny

Our son, Caleb, has Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC), a rare genetic metabolic disorder that is always fatal. The disease is so rare there are only 500 reported cases worldwide. Symptoms of NPC occur because of a defect in the intracellular transport of cholesterol, which results in abnormal amounts of cholesterol and lipid accumulating in various organs, spleen, liver and brain. NPC affects mostly children who often die before the age of 10 or within 5-10 years of diagnosis. Caleb is in the early stage with symptoms that include an enlarged spleen and liver, and clumsiness. It is a devastating disease that robs NPC children of their ability to walk, talk, and swallow, eventually requiring a feeding tube. Seizures are common with a progressive neurological decline that robs children of the ability to recognize their parents and then steals their lives. NPC has been labeled the childhood Alzheimer Disease, due to similar neurofibrillary tangle formation, and lysosome system dysfunction. There is no cure for NPC and the only treaments available are experimental at this time. <br /><br />We are putting on a Hockey-thon on Saturday, April 4th to raise money for the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation (NNPDF). This foundation funds research for the Niemann Pick Disease as well as support patients and families through their difficult journey. The event will feature 12 one hour ice hockey games at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel, MD. The money raised here will cover base costs so team fees and donations collected at the event will be directly donated to the NNPDF.

Kat Klein