I've never really done this and I'm a little nervous... but a situation has come up and I feel compelled to ask you all for help since I am not capable of doing it entirely on my own. =jumpingbean and I have put something together for a person that many of you know, and we would love it if you were able to help.

Whether you know her as Carissa or =kahl, there is no doubt that if you have met her, you'll never forget her. Carissa is one of those rare individuals that shines from the inside. She always has a kind word for everyone and there is no better person to have as fan of your work: if you've ever received one of her comments on dA, you know exactly how much time and effort she puts in. But what she does on dA is completely eclipsed by the person that she is, her unfailing kindness to others, and her efforts in making this world a better place. Just take a look at her dA journal sidebar and you'll see it all.

And now, this wonderful person needs our help.

Times are hard now no matter where you live or who you are. Living in a depressed part of Pennsylvania is hard enough. Trying to find a job in that area while no businesses are hiring and everyone else is looking too, is even harder. When you have to battle an illness like Bipolar Disorder, deal with deaths in the family, and have your savings wiped out because bills are piling up and then some asshole stole your car in the process... damn...that's when life becomes overwhelming.

Carissa suffers from severe Bipolar Disorder which requires she be on medication all the time. A few months back, neither she nor her pharmacy were able to get a hold of her doctor and she was unable get her medication. Because of how much her (already skyrocketing) insurance would charge to go to a new doctor, she wasn't able to even get in touch with other doctors. Because of all this, Carissa spent an entire month off her medication... for the first time in nine years. The darkness embraced her so fervently that it is hard to imagine the horrors that she faced at that time.. but I can tell you that no person should ever have to go through something like that.

In spite of all these hardships, Carissa and her amazing husband are trying to improve their situation and are trying to move to Washington to be near kind friends, support, and an area where "Help Wanted" signs still hang. Unfortunately, because of everything that I mentioned above, their savings have been erased and they no longer have the resources to make it happen.

We can help her. If we all chip in together, we can gather enough funds so that Carissa will have access to her medication (even if something else happens) and the money to move to an area that has work and a hopeful new life waiting for her.

Times are hard now, actually they're harder than at any other time we've seen, so please don't feel obligated to give if you're not able to.

If you can contribute, every little bit helps...even a dollar will go a long way. We're her friends and we can help change this very special person's life for the better. Let's spread the word to those that can help as well.

Click here to donate. All the money will be transferred to my paypal and I will send her a check.. when time comes, I'll post a photo of the check in this journal cuz I want to make this as transparent to you all as possible.


Just in case you're wondering if these things ever work.. do any of you remember Daisy? The little kitten that this wonderful community saved enough money for that she could have her surgery? She's a grown lady now and more beautiful than ever.. thanks to you. We've made a difference before.. we've helped save a kitten, now we have a chance to help out an amazing woman.

Much love and kisses to all of you and especially to you, Carissa and El... one way or another, we're gonna help you guys