Help Rebuild Rayse Biggs' Life and Home

Hello, my name is Rayse Biggs. You may remember me from a GoFundMe campaign in 2021, which many of you generously supported after a prolonged hospital stay and during a time when the pandemic had shut down live performances, severely impacting my income. That campaign was crucial in helping me navigate through that difficult period, and I am deeply grateful for every bit of support I received.

Today, I find myself facing a new set of challenges that have compelled me to reach out once again. Since the last campaign, my health has continued to decline, and my dementia has progressed to a point where I can no longer sustain regular performances, effectively ending my career as a professional musician.

2024 has been especially tough. My home suffered extensive damage due to a flood, with the main sewer line breaking away from the city's system. The repairs for the sewer line and mold remediation are estimated to cost over $21,000. Additionally, repairs for my furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer are pending until the mold is addressed.

Amidst these housing troubles, I encountered health setbacks that led to multiple hospitalizations. My existing health conditions, among them dementia, vascular issues, and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), have been compounded by financial burdens from medical expenses beyond what my insurance will cover in co-pays and deductibles, approaching $5,000.

To make matters worse, I suffered physical injuries, including another head injury causing the NPH, from an altercation during an emergency relocation. These incidents, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding my treatment, are placing considerable strain on my mental and emotional well-being.

Given these significant challenges, I've set a goal of $100,000 for this GoFundMe campaign. This amount will cover essential home repairs, a year of housing payments, and my ongoing medical and living expenses. Your support will provide much-needed stability and peace of mind during this turbulent period.

Given that the annual cost of assisted living in Michigan is approximately $55,000-$84,000, with wait times up to several months, we believe it is more practical and beneficial to keep me at home where I am more comfortable and can receive the personalized care I need. This approach not only reduces the financial burden but also allows me to stay connected to the community and continue my recovery in a familiar environment.

Through this challenging journey, I have learned a lot and I’d like to share this piece of wisdom: "If I can share one piece of advice with my fellow musicians, it would be this: prepare early for the possibility that one day, sooner than you think, the winds of change may blow hard in your direction, and you might find yourself unable to play."

Since I picked up my first instrument at 12 years old, I have devoted myself to sharing the gift of music, particularly jazz, with the Detroit and world communities. It has been a dream come true, as well as a labor of love. I'm fortunate to have a strong support system of fellow musicians and friends who are helping manage this campaign and ensure transparency in the use of funds. However, the depth of my current needs extends beyond even their generous assistance.

Your contribution will directly impact my ability to recover and stabilize under these trying circumstances. Please consider supporting my campaign and sharing it with others who might also lend their support. Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to overcoming the obstacles I am facing.

I am committed to keeping you informed every step of the way and deeply appreciate every form of support received. Your help means the world to me, now more than ever.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued love, prayers, kindness, generosity, contributions, and belief in the power of community and music to heal.