Community Support for Donnie After Assault

Hi folks. Thank you for taking the time to take a look at this fundraiser.

On Friday, June 9th I was assaulted by 4-5 men as I was about to get on the subway while on my way to work because I was wearing a hat with a rainbow on it. I was pushed around and knocked down onto the ground injuring my knee, biting through my lip, and hurting my back. It was a very traumatic experience, and I've been having a very hard time.

Since it happened, I've been dealing with severe anxiety and PTSD. I've been struggling to leave my house. Even walking my dog on my block has left me having panic attacks. I've managed to somewhat successfully leave my house twice - both times for shows - once via Uber, and once when a dear friend came over and walked with me to and from the subway. I'm not doing well going outside on my own. And each time I've performed, I've needed days to recover because it's taken 100% more effort and energy than usual to "act like everything is okay" while on stage.

I have worked with my support networks and am lucky to have such a caring and wonderful family and friend group. I have utilized community resources, and am taking anti-anxiety medication. I wish I could say that I was perfectly fine and "getting over it", but I am trying to honor myself and accept that the scary and potentially life-threatening situation I was in was very serious, and I'm trying to give myself the same empathy I would give someone else in the same situation. It's a scary world out there even in NYC where we're supposed to be "safe." I have to remind myself that this attack was not my fault.

I have missed many work shifts as a result of the anxiety, and as a result of the back injury. My back is bad to begin with, so this has made standing up and moving around even for short periods of time more difficult. I will not be able to pay all of my rent for July based on the minimal paycheck I will be receiving on June 29th. On a separate but relevant note I am currently trying to look for work to supplement my hours because they have been decreased in part because of my current inability to reliably work - it's a full circle. Finances that are always tight are currently dire.

I am grateful for the people in my life who always offer support, and for the support I've already received. I wish I didn't have to ask, but I'm spending all of my emotional resources trying to process and move on from the assault and it's the most exhausting thing I've ever done. Having to worry about financial stress on top of it has me throwing up at least once a day. I spend most of my time sleeping to avoid being awake. Basically, I'm in a bad way right now, and I need some help.

I'd be grateful for a donation of any amount, or if that's not possible if you could share this fundraiser with your networks. Anything and everything will help. I am trying to focus on getting well and could really use all the support I can get right now.

Thank you so much for reading. I am eternally grateful. Please stay safe out there.

In love and solidarity,

Donnie