Michael Pettinger: A Friend in Need

It’s been a rough year for our friend Michael Pettinger.

About this time last year, Michael had surgery for recently discovered colon cancer. Already in a place approaching income insecurity (hello, freelance life), his main focus since that surgery has been on beating cancer. While he has had some success with teaching, freelance editing, writing, and proofreading these past few months, it’s not been enough to meet basic living expenses like rent and food in an increasingly expensive New York. Now, he’s in a place of not being able to make rent and meet other basic expenses for the first time in almost 20 years in his apartment.

Michael has had to face some difficult decisions this past year and he has more in front of him – including whether or not he should remain in NYC. As you can imagine, making life decisions while also trying to meet basic needs is exhausting… and this on top of continuing to navigate a healthcare system that is soul-killing.

Your donation – of any size – will help Michael focus on finding more work, continuing his healthcare, and figuring out next steps. We’ve set a goal for $10,000. That amount would give him three months of rent and utilities and give him a moment to collect his forces and either find a suitable housemate or move.