Michelle Ramsden Healing Support

Background

Twenty years ago, when I started my Arborist business on Island, most of the time I worked by myself, unless I needed assistance for safety reasons. Beginning in 2013, I started hiring people to assist me with tree work because of my degrading health. As time went on, my health has continued to degrade, accumulating in a neck and back injury plus neurological issues in January 2022 that stopped me completely.

I worked despite significant pain over many years. My body will not let me push it that way any more. I can no longer meet with clients, supervisor crew, and I have shut down my business. I can no longer even be outside on a bright day, including no driving on a bright day.

Since January 18th of 2022 my employees and I have tried to keep the business afloat with their help, so I could heal, but the business has just gone further and further into debt. My health is not improving fast enough to continue work. I can't support myself or manage the business.

Support Needed

I will be selling my equipment and trucks to pay the rent for as long as I can. So, I am asking you to partner and support me during this long time of healing. I am getting better slowly. With your support, I can keep going, and recover. I am hoping to begin work sometime in 2023 on a very limited basis as a consulting arborist and bring in a small amount of income.

Specific Support Ideas

Here is where I need support and partnership:

• Help paying the rent and medical expenses for the next few months.

• Help me get set up on Vashon’s Time Bank, so that helpers can get their time reimbursed in Time Bank hours.

• Legal help regarding closing down the business.

• Help me sell off my trucks, chipper, chain saws, climbing gear, and other business equipment: Help make a list of my equipment, and research what the current value is, to know what to ask for it.

Thank You

I would be grateful for any support and partnership you are willing to provide for this continued difficult time. People on Vashon have been amazing during these past 12 months. I deeply regret having to ask for more support, after everyone has given so much. I am doing my very best to heal, but it is taking longer than I ever imagined. I very much appreciate all those who have helped me thus far.

Michelle Ramsden

PO Box 296

Vashon, WA 98070