Peace of Mind Organizing

The Lori Hall Steele Fundraiser Blog: Blog of the Week

10 September 2008

This week’s blog of the week is very different from the organizing blogs I usually highlight.

This blog is raising money for a freelance writer named Lori Hall Steele, a talented writer who is a part of the same online freelance community I belong to, Freelance Success.

Lori’s essay in the Washington Post, which was published on June 23 of this year, is a testament to her beautiful writing. It’s also heartbreaking (please read it) because Lori is gravely ill.

A year ago, she lost the ability to move her feet. The paralysis has spread and, after a diagnosis of severe Lyme Disease, the doctors now think she has ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). Because of the disease, she cannot work. At this moment, she can’t get out of bed and she’s on a respirator. She’s a single mom and the bank is threatening to take her house.

She has received some emergency support from the American Society of Journalists and Authors, but she needs more. A group of writers has started a campaign (hence the blog) to raise money for Lori. We’re encouraging everyone who’s touched by her story (and please, if you’re not touched, do read that Washington Post essay) to contribute $25.

It’s easy. I just did it. There’s a PayPal button on the Lori Hall Steele Fundraiser Blog. I know times are tough for many people. But they’re extremely tough for Lori. I’m hopeful this campaign, which has turned into a blogathon, will save Lori’s house.

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