Invest in Cat Hoke ❤️ (Rehab, ADA equipment, etc)

Who helps the helper? 



 

Those who know me are well aware that I never share, let alone craft one of these of these things. 

 

When you have a big heart, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the worthy causes that need support in the world and the last thing I want to do is to put yet another one on your radar to consider. 



 

However, I know I would sit in regret if I didn’t share this opportunity with you.



 

I think what’s also contributing to my hesitancy to make this post is because I am still in disbelief. The last time I saw Cat she was a beacon of positive energy - bouncing around the gymnasium floor of a level 4 prison in California raising money to support a group of men transition out of prison into productive members of society by teaching them life skills and entrepreneurship (through her non-profits Defy Ventures  and Hustle 2 0 )

Now, with what seems like a blink of an eye, Cat finds herself in a wheelchair and in need of 24/7 care as a result with complications with Covid. It’s surreal to grasp that someone who has done so much good in the world, is still susceptible to misfortunes that life can bring.


 


I’ve been texting with Cat back and forth since she first found herself in the hospital back in early May, and although her spirits haven’t wavered… things aren’t good. 



 

It’s not lost on me that someone who has fought so courageously for others, is having a hard time fighting for herself.

 

In typical Cat fashion, on her priority list of 
“asks”, money isn’t the first thing - even though that’s what she needs most. Thoughts and prayers won’t pay the medical bills.

 



I fundamentally believe that this isn’t charity, this is an investment. If we get Cat back in a position where she’s stable and healthy, she can tap back into that energy to do good in the world, and the ripple effects are exponential.

 

Selfishly, I wish I could carry the costs for Cat to serve as a huge vote of “I SEE YOU. All the love, healing and support you’ve brought to humanity… I see you.” but I can’t. Nor would it be fair because she has touched the lives of so many others, not just mine.

 

Sometimes we may see a campaign like this and see some of the top donations and say… “Gosh, I can’t give that much!”, so we don't give anything at all.

 But remember, we don’t need a couple of people giving thousands of dollars (although that’s appreciated), we need thousands of people giving a couple of dollars. And I know for a fact that Cat has impacted thousands of lives, so invest what you can… no matter how small.

 

For someone who has fiercely fought for so many, it’s now time for us to fight for her.




This was a most recent email from Cat where I explicitly asked her how we could help:

 

------

 



“Here’s What Helps

 
1)     Send me joy. Top requests:


A)    Jokes. See my “P.S.” for details.

B)    Photos of things you love (your kids doing something hilarious, cool art, your recent trip, etc.). While I’m at the hospital, it’s fun for me to live vicariously through you.

 
2)     If you want to help me cover medical expenses:


A)    THANK YOU!!  I owe $40K this Monday to start my 5-week intensive rehabilitation hospital program, and I’d be so grateful for help.

 

B)    Commission me! While I’m in the hospital, guess what I can still do?! Paint from the soul! I’ve been fulfilling commissions for high-end oil portraits and extremely unique, hand-painted Heritage Quilts. To help me engage my best medicine, hit up Karen Bentlage (a CEO/investor). Karen is a dear friend who knows a thing or two about business dealings. As my new Art Patron, she’ll negotiate on my behalf (commission-free, just ’cuz she loves me!) This will help me stay productive and creative, and earnings will help me support myself (these paintings and quilts aren’t cheap and take me several months to complete …). Hit KAREN up at: [email redacted]. Another friend is launching a personal site for me in the next few weeks with more info and samples of my portraits and quilts. Stay tuned for www.paintfromthesoul.com.

 

I have more gratitude than ever for having the best support network on earth! That includes the MMT family! But … this compliment doesn’t let you off the hook for shooting me a quality joke. 

 

With gratitude and LOVE,

Cat

 

P.S. Re: Jokes: Email me at [email redacted]. I don’t recall ever being offended by a joke. I’ll respond (slowly) with a rating on the joke (1–10), and a low score is an invitation to rip a better one. The person who makes me laugh the hardest gets the prize. (The prize will be announced later, so this competition is based on trust in the process …)

 

P.P.S. My doctors said the 5-week hospital program will be fully consuming, and my #1 order is to rest, and the doctors are teaching me the word “pace.” (I have a lot to learn!) Electronic detox is a part of my doctors’ orders. So ... please don't mistake silence for a lack of love or gratitude! I promise to send updates through Jayson. “

 

 

------

 



If you care to know Cat’s medical journey, you can read more below:



 

After a rough bout with COVID in April, I thought I was “cured” on May 7 when I did a 60-minute erg. Sadly, I was wrong, and I’ve now been at the Houston Methodist Hospital since June 1, where I’ve been admitted into one of the best long-COVID programs. I’ve lost my ability to walk and can’t even get from my bed to the bathroom on my own, and I have a whole host of diagnoses (nervous system, heart, and

lung problems). Thankfully, this Monday, I’ll be admitted to an intensive 5-week hospital care program. I’m facing the biggest challenge of my life right now.