Help Danni Overcome Financial Hardships

Hello and thanks for being here!

We’re reaching out on behalf of our dear friend and community member, Danni Ruby Leigh. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet Danni, she is incredibly caring, creative, generous, and nerdy (Trekkies unite!).

She’s proudly queer, a lifelong artist, and aspires to be a teacher (even without the degree), especially recognizing what nurturing kids need and aren’t always given. Danni constantly uplifts her friends and community members, whether it’s painting a cute bookmark for a friend or volunteering putting together safe use supply kits. One of the most special things about her is how she sees value and beauty in everyone and everything around her.

Danni’s Story

Danni has dealt with a lot of trauma in her life and has survived despite a lack of support and resources. She has worked so hard to be here today.

Danni has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a chronic and progressively debilitating condition that affects her connective tissue and causes her daily pain and fatigue. Danni is unable to work because of EDS (or more accurately because of the lack of accommodations that jobs provide for folks with disabilities), which makes it incredibly difficult for her to maintain financial stability. The compensation for disabled individuals in Ontario is not near enough to cover basic living expenses, let alone unexpected costs or emergencies.

On top of her health struggles, Danni has endured tremendous personal hardships. She lost her mum at a young age and has been estranged from her father and other family members. She has also lost many close friends to addiction and has bravely fought her own battle with addiction to emerge stronger on the other side.

Why We Need Your Help

Despite all these challenges, Danni remains a kind-hearted and giving person who always puts others first. However, she’s now in a position where she needs our help. There are expenses that are presenting and are a barrier. Being able to access therapies often comes with a cost. Accrued debt that, without the ability to work, feels impossible for her to overcome on her own. There are also items and experiences that will help improve quality of life.

Your support would mean the world to Danni. It would help her pay off this debt, alleviate some of the constant financial stress she faces, and allow her to focus on her health and well-being without the added worry of how she will make ends meet.

How You Can Help

Any donation, big or small, will make a huge difference in Danni’s life. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks would be incredibly helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read Danni’s story and for considering a donation to help a truly deserving person. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated.

With gratitude,

Danni's community

*All photos taken by Danni