Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>Support the foundation of <a href="https://mtlhealing.space" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MTL Healing Space</a>! We are a multidisciplinary space designed by and for values-aligned practitioners who center intersectionality, systemic healing, and collective care. We aim to provide accessible and community-rooted space for therapists, healers, practitioners and facilitators to practice, connect and thrive.
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<div>Although we have already bootstrapped <em>$50,000</em> into the space, more is needed to furnish and ​f​inalize the project​. With the generosity of donors, MTL Healing Space will be able to open its doors fully and offer​ individual and group therapy, classes, workshops, ceremonies and events.
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<div>​Specifically, all donations will go towards​:
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<li><strong>Custom Built Storage	$5,000.00</strong>
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<li><strong>Sound insulation 	$5,000.00</strong>
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<li><strong>Sound system 	$3,000.00</strong>
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<li><strong>30 backjacks	$2,625.00</strong>
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<li><strong>30 yoga mats	$1,050.00</strong>
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<li><strong>Large space mirrors	$1,000.00</strong>
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<li><strong>30 meditation cushions	$840.00</strong>
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<li><strong>30 meditation blocks	$600.00</strong>
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<li><strong>Meditation mats	$600.00</strong>
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<li><strong>White Board	$300.00</strong>
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<li><strong>Signage &amp; Vinyls	$1,000.00</strong>
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<div>Help us furnish and flourish the space by donating and sharing our fundraiser!
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MTL Healing Space Foundations Fundraiser

<div>Greetings,
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<div>My name is Ziara, I am a close friend of Simon’s. I am grateful to have the opportunity to lean into my dedication to interdependence by sending this message to you all. I am reaching towards you all with an ask for support of my beloved friend Simon who is approaching a surgery that will be disruptive to their financial security. May the donations from all of you make their recovery abundant and comforting, so their gifts can continue to flow, too. Praying for the web of care to be cast far and wide and for the generosity flowing here to continue to make its way where it is needed.
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<div>Here’s a summary of what Simon is navigating, in their words:
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<div>Last fall, I learned of a nodule on the left side of my thyroid after it showed up on an x-ray when I was in the ER for covid related chest pain. My PCP ordered an ultrasound of the nodule, which was done last February and a biopsy, which was done in May. The biopsy results were atypical and inconclusive, so my endocrinologist at Ford Medical sent my sample to be tested for genetic markers of possible malignancies. I received the results after my move to Western Massachusettes in June and unfortunately, the results indicate a risk of malignancy that, according to the current standard of medical care, warrants removal of the nodule and connected thyroid tissue in order to know whether it is malignant or not. I have consulted with two local Endocrinologists, Dr. Nicasio and Dr. Karacsony at Mass General Cooley Dickinson, and the area’s well regarded Endocrine Surgeon, Dr. Jabiev at Baystate Medical and all three agree that I need to have the left side of my thyroid and suspicious nodule removed. There is a 30 to 50% chance I will need to take supplemental thyroid medication, but ideally, my remaining right side thyroid will still produce enough of the hormone for my body to function properly.
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<div>After 18 months of this journey, I have discerned that I do need to have this surgery in order to rule out malignancy (or treat if it is present). My surgery will be on Wednesday, April 30th. As a self employed, trans, disabled person living with some amount of long covid fatigue, I am planning to take three weeks off of work in order to recover. The funds from the GoFundMe will go toward my out of pocket preparation and recovery expenses, including holistic care, as well living expenses while not working.
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<div>Thank you for any contributions you feel called and able to make to support my recovery. Sending so much care to everyone at this challenging time we are living through.
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<div>If you would prefer to contribute via Venmo please send to @simonwolff
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Support Simon’s Thyroid Surgery Recovery

<div>Hello, I am Mohammed, the youngest of my brothers. I have a sister and a brother. My sister is a dental student in Egypt, but she finished her studies the previous year and had an internship year in dentistry, so she had to leave the country, but the war broke out, and my brother suffered from a head injury and a tumor. his brain causes electrical spasms when pressed. My mother tried to send it to us from Jordan, but it did not work.
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<div>I'm trying hard to get out of the war unscathed.
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Help Mohammed and his family get out of Gaza strip

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<div>Three weeks ago a strong virus moved through my system and I have been struggling to recover since. I have been experiencing acute inflammation throughout my chest and abdomen, debilitating fatigue, and other challenging classic symptoms of long covid, many of which have felt similar to what I experienced for 6+ weeks after the covid vaccine I received in April 2021.
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<div>I am currently staying with family while I recover and have had to miss three weeks of work thus far. I am in need of financial support to stay afloat as I continue to heal and ease back into seeing clients in the coming weeks. I'm hopeful that I'm starting to turn a corner and I know this financial support will aide in that trajectory. Thank you to everyone who is able to contribute. I will share updates as my healing progresses. &lt;3 
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<div>Sending so much love,
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<div>Simon
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Help Simon Recover From Covid

<div>This is a fundraising initiative to give our beloved community member June Moreau safe, stable, and permanent housing. We are seeking to raise $28,000 to cover the cost of a yurt made in New Hampshire by the women of Two Girls Farm &amp; Yurts in Acworth NH. 
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<div>The cost of the Yurt itself will be approximately $19,790, and we estimate the cost of a platform to be $7,000-$8,000.
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<div>This micro land back initiative has very generously been given access to land usage on historically colonized land on the Seacoast to ensure her wellbeing.  Now all we need to do is secure a Yurt!
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<div>June has most recently been housing insecure since April 2022, and has lived in six locations across three states since 2020. June can remember first being housing insecure before the age of 5, and has lost count of each time between then and now. 
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<div>Despite all of this June has remained an active member in our community ever since arriving on the Seacoast during the pandemic. 
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<div> June has headed, and had her hand in many community enrichment projects. 
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<div>She started and operated “From The Ground Farm” from 2021-22. The farm’s focus was to bring unique and healthy food to our community while giving away food to address food insecurity.  The farm also offered educational programming and even hosted Phillip’s Exeter academy for a climate day workshop with over one hundred curious and happy students. Another project she created in conjunction with the farm was called “The Giving Garden”. This idea was born of a desire to give youth and children basic farming skills while giving away the produce to those in need in our area. The farm also hosted nature immersion hikes for youngsters where they were taken on the SELT trail on the property to learn about the natural world around them. 
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<div>In July her and her business partner lost the farm due to a dispute with the landowners.
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<div>Despite losing access to her farm June remains in gratitude for all she was able to achieve in a short time and will always remember this tender time with great fondness. 
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<div>June Currently serves as Vice President of Mid-New England Seacoast Alliance of The National Young Farmer’s Association. An organization focused on ensuring the success of young farmers in our area. She has been instrumental in the early growth development of the chapter and enjoys her roll with the org.
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<div>June Helped re-launch The Hampton Falls Farmers Market in spring 2022. This market is an equitable market with no vendor fees or insurance requirements for members. The goal of this market is to support local farmers and artisans and enrich our community in a way that lets everyone participate regardless of means. During her time with the org she learned to build a website, managed emails &amp; calls, and went into the community to recruit vendors for the season. 
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<div>June also considers herself a community organizer and has also spent countless hours volunteering directly with individuals, start-up farmers and senior farmers in our community sharing her knowledge of sustainable food production practices and offering her muscles to those interested in learning about farming, or those trying to continue farming. She never shies away from lending herself to those in need of a hot meal, or simple loving attention either. 
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<div>June is currently healing by gardening for individuals and tending her flock of quail while dreaming of her next steps in the Agricultural and justice world. She is also hoping to begin working in indigenous sovereignty, and cultural preservation as a way to honor her Taino heritage. 
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<div>As a woman of indigenous heritage with strong connection to first contact peoples (descended from the Taino’s on the island of Quisqueya *so called Hispaniola*, who made first contact with Columbus in 1492, born on the island of Noepe , *so called Martha’s Vineyard* in the land of the Wampanoags who’s people in Plymouth made first contact with the pilgrims in 1621)  she believes her place in this world is to help fight for indigenous rights as a farmer and is currently planning a non GMO seed grow out to be distributed to fellow Tainas, indigenous women on Boriken (now called Puerto Ricco).
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<div>June is also an aspiring writer, mixed media artist, and green woodworker. She enjoys working in various natural mediums and hopes to make way as an artist once her stability issues are addressed. Her mentors are eagerly waiting for her to bloom and see much potential in her. 
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<div>June is looking forward to a time when she can invest her energy into her community more deeply to make lasting and measurable impacts. We are all excited to see where she will go from here. One thing we know for sure is that it is our opinion that our community is much better for having her in it and we are all so excited to watch her move into a place of thriving. The burden of instability is difficult to express and we know the benefits of permanent housing will be immeasurable for June. Let’s come together as a community to support this exemplary individual because this is how a community should behave. In addition, we hope folks will see this as a tangible and executable way to effectively give “Land Back” to young BIPOC women with indigenous heritage. We can absolutely come together as a community to support this woman who constantly displays her desire to build our community up for all of us.  We can do this! 
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<div>We will be announcing fundraising events soon, so please stay tuned for more information!
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Micro Landback Initiative for a indigenous farmer

<div>It's true.  Our beloved Maia Spear got ran over by a bus in Thessaloniki,  Greece only days before she was scheduled to return to the states.  She's conscious, and on the other side of surgery where they put a rod in her leg (which got run over by a damn bus!!!) but her injuries are pretty catastrophic and she has a long road to recovery ahead of her and she will have to spend at least a month in Thessaloniki for it.  Look, let's be real, she hates that we're doing this fundraiser but like, this shit is gonna be long, hard and expensive and eventuallyI got her to agree.   This is to raise money for one or two people to fly over (most likely her mother, maybe me and possibly someone else depending on how long she needs to be there) to take care of her, housing and food for while we're there, her return trip and housing once she gets home and continues with PT and healing.  Plus any medical bills that might arise.   It's a lot.  If you have a little extra to throw her way we would all be incredibly greatful. If not, please send oodles of healing energy her way and spread the word.  Big huge giant thanks. Xoxoxo elyse
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Maia got ran over by a damn bus in Greece.

<div>Rise and Shine for Nicole Chioma Antonette Mokeme and contribute to her 11-year-old daughter. Nicole was the light for so many of us. It is time we shine a light on her activism, and be the light for her legacy, her daughter, and for her daughter's immediate future.
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<div>Nicole Chioma is a cosmic force of electrifying, Universal Love. While on this earth, Nicole Chioma worked passionately with and for Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, people of color (BBIAPOC), and organizations on and off Wabanaki Territory. Her mission was People's Liberation.
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<div>Nicole Chioma's work continues to support younger generations with love, guidance, and practical tools for existing in human bodies and continues to connect resources to the greater Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, and people of color communities.
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<div>Nicole established Rise and Shine Youth Retreat and has co-created with various organizations that support Black Lives including, Black Artist Forum, Embodied Equity Consulting, The Ensemble of Color ( formerly, Theater Ensemble of Color), The For Us By Us Fund, The Third Place, Hi Tiger, Portland Empowered, Women United Around the World and 21st Century.
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<div>It is our turn to give and shine the light for Nicole to see. Help Support Nicole's legacy, her daughter. Nicole set a standard for all of us on how to be a true community; to engage with and respect this Wabanaki Territory that holds us. Let us be the standard and support Nicole's legacy today.
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<div>There will be a formal/traditional church service with communion at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke at 143 State St. in Portland, Maine on Friday, July 1, from 12-1 pm, and a small reception service immediately following from 1-2 pm FOR THE FAMILY. Masks ARE REQUIRED. Also on July 1, at 3 PM there will be a public MEMORIAL/HOMEGOING in TBA Park in Portland. Masks ARE OPTIONAL. People are asked and encouraged to wear DARK GREEN colors. THIS IS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT. NO ALCOHOL. 
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<div>UPDATE
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<div>Doyle Tucker, who is Nicole's former partner, and D's father. He is so very grateful for everything the community has done for Nicole and Delaney. &lt;3 &lt;3 
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Nicole Mokeme's Daughter's FUND

<div>Hi Loves,
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<div>A few months ago, I was informed that I have a large fibroid in my uterus and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition that starts in the uterus but spreads to other organs and causes several painful symptoms. After weighing all my options by seeing two specialists, doing tons of research, and talking with folks who have gone through this, I have decided that my best option is to get a hysterectomy. Getting the surgery will allow me to avoid continued and increasing pain and discomfort and avoid needing a second surgery in the future. As the doctors have said, it will give me the best quality of life out of all available options.
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<div>It's major surgery, and the healing process will be two months, during which I will be unable to work. Unfortunately, as some of you may know- life and medical expenses are not cheap!
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<div>In order to cover the cost of this procedure and pay for my living expenses (rent, food, etc.) while I am down for the count, I am reaching out to everyone for help in this time of need. My surgery is on April 6th, and I am looking to raise funds for when these bills come in, and I am out of work. The estimated amount I'll be needing is up to $6,000. Any little bit helps and is deeply appreciated.
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<div>If you can give any amount to support this fund or share it among your circles, I would be deeply grateful.
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<div>Thank you for all your support during this vulnerable time. Please click the link below to donate and share - you're all amazing!!
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Lauren's after surgery support!

<span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">On Friday, January 21st, 2022 Peter Nguany Machar. A 65 year old father, grandfather, resident of Portland Maine and an elder in the South Sudanese community. Was hit by a 23 year old Portland resident with a car. At this point that is all the information the family has gathered from news outlets. Machar has suffered life threatening injuries and thus far has had to get surgery on both of his legs that were crushed from the knees down and his back which has broken vertebrae’s. Machar contracted Covid in the Emergency Room and has now been moved to the Covid Trauma unit, which denies his family the opportunity to see or touch him. At this time Machar’s  family is seeking financial help to pay for the legal fees and to prepare for all outcomes. As a community member Machar has always shown up to support and encourage families as they underwent crisis in their own lives. It’s never easy to ask for help, but in order to get Machar the legal support that he needs we need the community’s support. As of this evening Communication has made it to the family that Machar is on life support. The family would very much appreciate prayers and any form of financial support at this time.</span>

Help Support Nguany Machar’s Family

<div>Hi, my name is Sarah, and I am an acupuncturist/trauma therapist and visual artist. Life has been a whirlwind since I received results from a CT scan on October 27, 2021. The scan found a very large mass in my pelvis. Since then, I have had two scary visits to the emergency room and one exploratory open surgery that was performed on November 12 of this year. 
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<div>I have not been to work since the end of October and am facing four more weeks of recovery, post surgery. I have lived my life serving others as a sole proprietor of my acupuncture business. This has been my joy, however, in situations like these, I am not afforded paid leave. Luckily, I was able to get health insurance coverage, but a major surgery like the one I had will still cost thousands. Your support will help pay my day to day bills, food and other expenses (such as student loans that have not been halted and rent to my office). 
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<div>I received an infusion post surgery due to low iron and hemoglobin. Part of my post surgical treatment will be five iron transfusions given every other day. My hope is there will be funds available to go towards needed physical therapy once I am able to be more active. Please share this to anyone you think might be able to give any amount. 
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<div>Thank you. 
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<div>Sincerely, 
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Help Sarah Cover Loss of Income and Medical Costs

<div><strong>Crystal Castro</strong>, an advocate for young people in foster since 1998 and a friend to so many, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 4 at the age of 39. In a too short life, Crystal’s contributions for others are longer than what most of us give. It was her way of being that made her special. Her friends remember her as <em>“my person who always accepted me as I am”</em> and one <em>“who talked me through times when I was feeling so low.”</em>
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<div>Crystal’s partner, Cassie, is heartbroken and planning Crystal's celebration of life instead of their wedding. Cassie reflected, <em>“My best friend, the love of my life passed away. We were due to be married on February 12, 2022 after 14 years of being together, and she was the most excited about it that I had ever seen her. I want her to know so badly that she was strong, the strongest person I knew. She was beautiful, she lit up my life in the darkest times with her smile and utter happiness to see me at all times.”</em>
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<div><strong>Your contributions</strong> will help with memorial-related costs and help Cassie with the costs in her transition into a new life without Crystal, including building a home they dreamed of. Crystal and Cassie had plans to build a small, simple duplex on a 2-acre plot of land in Maine. Family would live in the other unit.
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<div>Crystal described her life as, <em>“a long journey of self-discovery.”</em> Since she was 17 years old, Crystal spoke up for justice. She was insightful, direct, uncompromisingly honest, and kind. She generously shared insights from her own experience in foster care - not because she enjoyed the sharing, but because she wanted to make it better for other kids.
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<div>On the day after her death, one of Crystal’s friend asked, <em>“I feel so helpless, what can I do?”</em> Channeling Crystal, the answer was direct and honest, <em>“hold love and kindness in your heart – it will help us all.”</em>
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<div><strong>Crystal’s death has left such a hole in many ways – from the day to day practical to the ways of the heart. Your giving helps with the practical and the ways of the heart.</strong>
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To Honor Crystal Castro’s Dreams

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53916412_161150073379452_r.jpeg" alt="53916412_161150073379452_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />If you know her, you love her. If you don’t (yet) know her, you will be instantly charmed by her kindness, generosity and exuberant joy for life!<br /><br />Anna Maria Tocci is a devoted friend, beloved daughter and sister, dedicated wife to her husband, Justin, and an adoring mother of two young daughters, Juna and Anya.<br /><br />As a main stay of the Portland, Maine community for more than 20 years, you might recognize Anna as the owner of Greenlight Studio, an indoor play space that served area families and created a community of support and fun for young families.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53916412_1611500887535305_r.jpeg" alt="53916412_1611500887535305_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Before that, she was the visionary and proprietor of the North Star café, a popular area restaurant and music venue with a special leaning toward promoting local talent.<br /><br />Whether it is supporting families, up-and-coming artists, or the many ways in which she cares for people and builds connection, Anna has always nurtured a vision beyond herself. She is a natural cheerleader, a giver and a true lover of all.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53916412_1611531657240960_r.jpeg" alt="53916412_1611531657240960_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Anna never quits, even when life “gives her lemons”. After closing her business last year due to COVID, she had taken on a variety of jobs to help support her young family. But now Anna faces another big challenge…cancer.<br /><br />While visiting her family in Vermont, Anna started feeling ill. She chalked it up to fatigue, or stress, or a virus. After a few weeks of intensifying symptoms, Anna found herself in the emergency room and was quickly and unimaginably diagnosed with an aggressive and invasive type of brain tumor called a glioblastoma.<br /><br />After suffering an equally unexpected seizure on January 14, 2020, Anna was rushed into emergency brain surgery to reduce the tumor and buy her time to get to other treatments including radiation and chemotherapy.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53916412_1611531881775907_r.jpeg" alt="53916412_1611531881775907_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />With her typical bright outlook and grace, Anna is focused on the silver linings and the lessons she is being offered by this experience. Even so, she has long and expensive journey ahead.<br /><br />Always one to jump in early to help friends, family and even strangers, we are now asking for your contribution to assist Anna and her family while they navigate this tricky time.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53916412_1611532516484669_r.jpeg" alt="53916412_1611532516484669_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Anna’s treatment will require extensive (and expensive!) medical intervention and supportive care such as physical therapy and occupational therapy as well as complimentary care to ease her along.  Of course her family also requires contributions toward their daily life as Anna is and will be unable to work. <br /><br />Friends, our precious Anna Maria’s task in this moment is clear – to rest, to heal and to gather strength, courage and energy for the challenges ahead. Taking the financial burden from her and her family is the key to lifting up these brave and kind people. Time is of the essence and every dollar is useful (10’s, 100’s and 1000’s are more useful ). Will you help?<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53916412_1611523484939284_r.jpeg" alt="53916412_1611523484939284_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Anna Maria Tocci's Magical Healing Journey

In 12 days Sam will be 16.  This fundraiser is to help me reach my stretch goal of  saving $6,500 to purchase a used car for Sam the week of his birthday to celebrate and honor this deep and meaningful right of passage for young people  in the United States. We understand that this is an impossibly challenging time for everyone, and welcome your prayers, wishes, and  other conjurings as he navigates this world as his brilliant and beautiful self. <br /><br />As part of the "Countdown to 16" he and I have embarked on a 16 day right-of-passage journey of sorts. Each day presents a challenge to him to explore, act on, or reflect upon. For example today he is interviewing a Black family friend ten years his senior to learn about his experiences "Driving While Black". Over the weekend we will watch the PBS documentary by the same name to unpack the symbolism of this taking-to-the-road ethos in American culture, and how it specifically relates to the Black experience.  Yesterday it was a follow the string (which he has always loved) to his very own pair of jumper cables. He completed Driver's Ed and takes the first of two tests on January 7th (the last open spot until June!!) 2021. <br /><br />He has his heart SET on a particular car that is way beyond my price point. (Of course he has.)  So we are scouring the internet together daily seeing if a used one that has recently passed inspection and will be road worthy and meet his exacting standards might appear in time. He will be responsible for the car insurance and upkeep of the car, and is fully aware that a part time job will just possibly be enough to do that. And, that is part of the learning on all of this. Thus the push to buy it outright so that it if he can't make the insurance payment it can just sit in the driveway and look pretty until he can. With your help we might be able to pull it off. And if not, the next right thing will appear.  Thank you as always for joining us on the journey.  We love and cherish you all and feel so grateful for all the holding. <br /><br />XO Cat, Sam and Marcel (who has zero interest in getting in the car with his brother at the moment)

Lifting Sammy Up

We are raising funds to help Brooke move to Portland hopefully next month. She lost work due to COVID, and recently experienced a series of scary acts of amplified racism in Brunswick &amp; does not feel safe staying there.  She cannot afford to move on her own, and that is where you come in. We are glad to take donations from anyone and everyone, but encourage white folks to consider giving extra generously. <br /><br />Brooke is a queer mixed-race Black womxn who was born &amp; raised in Maine and is a beloved part of many communities here.  She is an artist and speaks out regularly on issues of Black and queer liberation. Growing up in a largely white state such as Maine as a mixed race Black womxn carries many challenges, and Brooke has experienced innumerable acts of racism her whole life.  However, Brunswick is wearing its racism extra proudly these days, and Brooke needs to live somewhere safer.  One example of the racism that Brooke is experiencing in Brunswick is being targeted and honked at by a series of pick-up trucks waving confederate flags and blue lives matter flags.  There are many other examples. In response to the racist incidents Brooke has experienced in the last few weeks (amplified by violent white responses to the current uprising for Black liberation), we, a few of her close friends, have put together this page to get her the financial support she needs to be able to move as soon as possible to a location in Portland or South Portland where she feels safer.<br /><br />We have included in this campaign's goal enough money to help Brooke buy a used car to replace her current vehicle which has a broken engine and is dangerous to drive.  We believe this is a part of keeping Brooke safe, as her ability to safely commute to a place of employment, as well as to travel to see loved ones and folks who support her, is crucial to her well-being.<br /><br />Here are the costs:<br /><br />$3000 = 1st month's rent, Security Deposit, last month's rent<br /><br />$1000 = 2nd month's rent (Brooke is currently unemployed)<br /><br />$40 = UHaul rental <br /><br />$4000 = average cost for decent-running used car on Craigslist and other similar websites<br /><br />Total = $8040 (we listed $8000 for a round number, but if we can reach $8040 that will be the dream!)<br /><br /> <br />If you have any questions about this campaign, please reach out to me (Lillie), and I'll do my best to answer.  Money that comes into this site will be given in its entirety directly to Brooke. If you wish to send money directly to Brooke, you can venmo her at @ArtByBuffCat or cashapp $ArtByBuffCat. <br /><br />Check out Brooke's artwork here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artbybuffcat/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/artbybuffcat/</a>

Keep Brooke- queer Black womxn- Safe!

Our dear friend Sarah is facing a profound personal health challenge in the midst of a world thrown into chaos.  Even as all of us face the reality of a world turned upside down by a global pandemic we have an opportunity like no other – to reach deep into our own reserves and support one another. It is with this sentiment, that we, Sarah’s friend and family network, ask for your help. We ask that you contribute to creating the financial cushion that she needs to make space for this important healing process.<br /><br />If you know her, then you know her strong spirit and her passionate heart. If you know her, you know her ability to show up with unclouded presence. We are asking all of you to join us in creating a secure container for her to do the vital work of healing and recovering from stage 2 ovarian cancer. Next week she will begin her first round of chemotherapy, and though we cannot be with her physically, we can gift her with freedom from financial worry.<br /><br />The funds collected here will go to covering the cost of Sarah’s schooling (which she is still in the midst of), cost of living, lost wages and to clear debt incurred. Any financial contribution is welcome. No gift is too small.<br /><br />We are deeply grateful for your support.<br /><br />With humble appreciation,<br />Sarah’s Support Network

Supporting Sarah

This is a people's emergency fund to raise money for our most vulnerable people and communities. The funds will be used to purchase basic survival goods (food, medicine, etc) and distribute those goods and money during the COVID-19 crisis to people *most* marginalized in this crisis, with the *least* access to other forms of aid.<br /><br />The following people (and this list will grow and change according to need) will be making decisions about how to share resources equitably among all people and how to best get resources to their communities: <br /><br />Courtney Allen<br />Elizabeth Capone-Henriquez<br />Crystal Cron<br />Samarali Daniels<br />Melissa Dunn<br />Phoenix Golden<br />Jesse Harvey<br />Sass Linneken<br />Alison Mann<br />Alivia Moore<br />Heritier Nosso<br />Whitney Parrish<br />Stacy Perez<br />Edier Ramirez<br />Ambureen Rana<br />Lokota Sanborn<br />Nickie Sekera<br />Breanna Sok<br />Dante Speaks<br />Nancy Valmond<br /><br />Many other people who are accountable to their communities are being contacted as we write this to consider advising us. We will update their names as they give us permission to do so. Also, some people will choose to advise confidentially and we respect their choice.<br /><br />Only the people can save the people. We were made for this moment. All hands on deck. Love your neighbor as yourself.<br /><br /><br />Call [phone redacted] if you want to give more than $5000 so that we can arrange a direct account transfer.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46284142_1584638890411108_r.jpeg" alt="46284142_1584638890411108_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46284142_1584639052807334_r.jpeg" alt="46284142_1584639052807334_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

People's Emergency Fund

Hi! My name is <a href="https://lumostransforms.com/team/nkem-ndefo/">Nkem Ndefo</a> . I’m a nurse, a midwife, and a trauma specialist. I’ve dedicated my career in service of helping people find inner resources to grow, heal, and transform their lives, focusing on some of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in my community. I've always been in the position of the helper, and it's really hard to ask, but I need your support. I have <a href="https://www.meaction.net/about/what-is-me/">myalgic encephalomyelitis</a> , also known as ME/CFS. This is a complex multi-system disease with no known cure. <br /><br />I’ve struggled with this disease for over two decades but was only diagnosed about 9 years ago. I have a fairly mild case that relapses and remits, but the past 8 months have been tough as I’ve come to accept that I have a chronic disability and need to ask for accommodations—wheelchairs in airports, stools when I do speaking gigs, a disability parking placard. Due to a sometimes mysterious combination of efforts and environmental shifts, I’m thankfully doing slightly better right now. However, that still means mostly working from bed, strictly limiting social activities, taking supplements by the handful, and facing diminished dreams. My physical activity remains 40% reduced, and there is the constant fear that I'll relapse again.<br /><br />The hardest part of this illness is that if I push myself too much in any way, my system will crash. And I don’t mean a big push, I mean walking 5,000 or fewer steps in one day. I also don't mean a little tired. I mean an unstable heart rate and body temperature, leg paralysis, deep bone pain, and swollen glands all over.  I have so much I want to do in this life, and it’s a bitter pill to swallow that this illness stands in my way or, even on a better day, slows me way, way down. <br /><br />I have received abysmal care from my doctors at Kaiser, racking up bills for useless office visits and testing. They have no ME/CFS specialist in the entire network, and, due to their ignorance of the disease, their doctors actually dispense harmful advice. As a result, I’ve been forced to manage this illness on my own, as best as I can, through extensive research and trial and error. <br /><br />There are only 6 specialists in all of California, and I have just managed to get an appointment with one of them at the Center for Complex Disease on August 14th. Because I have Kaiser, all costs are out of pocket. After the first in-person appointment, all visits can be done remotely, but the costs are still out of my reach. The Center has generously granted me a 50% reduction on lab testing, but, even so, I need help. The testing is extensive as they look for possible contributing causes that can be treated or managed to improve my quality of life. <br /><br />I appreciate any support you can give me—be it a donation, a note, or a share with your network. Thank you, thank you, thank you!<br /><br />Budget:<br />Doctor's appointments: $3,455<br />Lab testing: $10,000<br />Travel: $155<br />GoFundMe credit card processing fees: $390<br />Total: $14,000<br /><br />______________<br /><br />Addendum - We made the original target!! As some of you noticed, the budget actually only includes doctor's appointments and testing but not the actual treatment. I won't know what treatment will be recommended until the first round of testing comes back. So any money raised above the $14,000 will go for whatever the doctors recommend. I'll keep you posted!! Thank you again!

Sage Hayes

Sage Hayes

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