Support and Love for Alida Brandenburg

Veronica La Rosa is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Alida Brandenburg.

Donation protected

Though Alida was aware that being a carrier of the BRCA1 gene mutation meant she was very likely to develop breast cancer in her life, we were all surprised to learn this day would be upon us so soon! Because Alida was especially diligent about her annual checks, it was discovered this month that she does in fact have breast cancer.

Alida's lengthy and aggressive treatment begins today, February 11th, as she begins the process of starting her chemotherapy via a surgical port.

I've started this fundraising campaign in the hopes that we can all give a little love and support to someone who truly shines her joyous light on everyone she meets. Whether you know Alida from the dance floor, the surf line up, through political activism, from her personalized Haikus, or met her as she has travelled the world, her infectious laugh and positive energy radiates.

As many of us know, Alida was starting the process of buying her first home. Sadly, because of the state of American healthcare, those dreams are placed indefinitely on hold while she preserves her savings to help fund her recovery. Despite having excellent insurance and a small safety net in place, the financial impact of what could be a lifetime of medical bills is a stress that no one should have to bear while they are focusing on their health. More than 60% of insured Americans with medical bills blow through most or all of their savings.

This fundraising opportunity is a chance for Alida to focus on what matters most right now: her health. Any contribution that is made can help her with little things that she needs right now. Because of COVID-19, Alida will be isolating as much as possible while she undergoes chemo. With no support in her home, donations could be used to cover grocery delivery, meal plans, housecleaning, and whatever else she may need.

When her mom was undergoing treatment for her own breast cancer, Alida said it best in the GoFundMe for her: "They say that love kills cancer. So--let's show my mom just how much she is loved. Can you donate?"