UPDATE: Dara's Journey, In w. Love - Out w. Cancer

Hey friends -

Thanks for your continued support and interest in Dara’s journey!

As you all know, Dara has finished with chemo (for now) and is getting ready to undergo surgery for her breast cancer. Because of the aggressiveness of her case, she will then go through daily radiation and possibly more chemo and/or surgeries. 

It is hard to continue to ask for help, but we also know that she will be needing more financial support to get through this next phase. These contributions have helped her tremendously thus far allowing her to pay thousands in deductibles and copays, get alternative treatments for her pain, allow her family to visit and help take care of her, and most importantly take some of the burden of worry away from what is already a life altering process. 

As it looks like Dara will likely be out of work for the rest of the year, we are here to ask for more financial help. Here is what is what we are offering.

1. You can donate directly to this site and this money goes directly to her! 

2. Because Dara is such a treasured member of the healing community here in Atlanta, we have garnered the suppoort of many local businesses willing to participate in a raffle in order to raise additional funds! You MUST be local to enter as nothing can be shipped. You can enter to win a raffle on Instagram from the following local Atlanta Businesses:

     @futureperfecthealing
     @ritualbodywork
     @gunshowatl
     @theauraweaver
     @phoenixwellnessatl
     @kindredstudioatl
     @memorialtattootatl
     @foreverbloomingwellness
     @houseofcurrent
     @vvitch_mama
     @thephoenixandthefool
     @embode.life
     @fossil_and_hide
     @blondie_atl
     @martinrickles.studio
     @therosefinchspa
   
+++NOTE+++ In order to win a raffle prize, pick the business of your choice above,  and then follow their specific instructions on Instagram.
     
 3. Additional gift cards from other generous local businesses will also be raffled off at a further date once we get through the surgery. So stay tuned!!!

We understand not everyone can contribute financially, and we want you to know that thoughts and well wishes are also held in the highest regards and have kept Dara afloat so far. She more than appreciates all of the love you have all so kindly offered her.

Thank you so much!

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Dara Metcalfe, our friend, neighbor, healer and community builder has been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

The cancer has been found in her lymph nodes, and she will be getting a PET scan Monday Dec 7th to see if it has spread anywhere else in her body.  She is projected to start chemotherapy within the next week.  Her healing path will be regularly updated and can be viewed at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/darametcalfe.

Many individuals have reached out already to see how they can help. Dara is fortunate to have health insurance to cover major costs.  However, as a massage therapist she will be unable to work for the next several months as she begins chemotherapy.  Additionally, the external costs associated with cancer treatment can mount quickly.  Dara's family does not live nearby and on account of the pandemic will not be able to stay in her home to support her in these precarious moments.  This fundraising campaign is to raise funds to supplement her loss of income, provide financial assistance in her healthcare costs and facilitate travel for her out of town family. 

Distance healing work, words of encouragement and other services are also welcomed.  Please feel free to share this GoFundMe.  Dara has touched many people with her healing energy- we hope to provide her with the space and empowerment required to heal herself at this time. 

Please reach out to Abby, Brian or Marisa who are collaborating regularly during this time for additional inquiries on other ways you may offer support for Dara.