Help Support Deborah and Zoë

*Dear friends - it is with much sadness that I share that Deborah passed away on September 18th. Please refer to the latest updates here for the current needs related to Zoë's managing of her mother's affairs.*


[One of Deborah's original pieces.]

Deborah Kohen is a beloved mother, teacher, artist, poet, and friend. On the evening of May 8th, 2018, she suffered a massive heart attack while at home.  She was transported to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, where she has remained in the ICU in critical condition.  
[Candid photo of Deborah at a favorite cafe in the 1990's.]

Deborah's daughter Zoë immediately flew into Las Vegas from her home in Seattle to be by her mother's side. Zoë then found herself in the position of being the sole family member responsible for managing related medical, legal, and financial matters for her mother.  As Zoë is an independent musician and teacher, she has no assisting supplements from her work; her income is lost while she's away from Seattle, which she has been for nearly a month so far.

There are a number of imminent expenses that need to be taken care of before Zoë will have time to complete the necessary legal steps to obtain Medical and Financial Guardianship for her mother and gain access to any funds her mother might have available for her medical expenses and care. The biggest immediate needs are:

- Paying a month's rent and utilities on Deborah's apartment so that Zoë can sort through all of her belongings and papers as Zoë works on moving Deborah to a long-term care facility and, as soon as she is stable enough, up to Seattle;
- Paying for Deborah's storage unit;
- Getting a last-minute flight to and from Seattle so Zoë can pick up her needed medication and personal items;
- Paying rent and utilities on Zoë's home back in Seattle after the loss of income from the last three weeks as well as what will be lost in the upcoming transitional period; 
- Health insurance for Deborah and Zoë - Deborah’s health insurance coverage has ended and a large payment will need to be made soon to get Cobra and extend her coverage if possible.

All funds raised will go to the above expenses. Anything raised above the goal amount will be used for other smaller necessary living expenses, such as food, Uber, and needed items for Zoë while she is caring for her mother and spending the bulk of her time at the hospital, as well as towards additional needed trips back and forth for Zoë while she is working on moving Deborah to Seattle.

Zoë has been relying on the love and support her friends have shown during this difficult time. By donating what we're able, we can help Zoë better focus on caring for her mother and completing the needed legal and medical hurdles.

Zoë with longtime friends of the family on a particularly good day for mom in the ICU in mid-May.