Help Almeta with medical expenses & car repairs

Almeta Whitis is a Renaissance woman known across Western New York and beyond for her work as an award-winning storyteller, performance artist, author, and educator. Almeta's work takes her across the region to places like schools, theatres, museums, places of worship, and community-use spaces.

Almeta's crucial work has been hampered by medical struggles. Almeta explains, "In January 2022, I suffered a COVID-19 fall and lay unconscious on my bathroom floor for 13 days, resulting in 6 major organ and body systems in acute danger of shutting down by the time Strong admitted me - minutes before being pronounced dead. Also, I suffered the loss of my upper front teeth. Insurance will cover only 1K of the 8K replacement estimate. Public speaking and performing is how I've made my living. Plus, it is difficult to talk clearly without my front teeth, let alone chew properly. It's embarrassing to eat out, Faith, which I don't do that much. I have to glue in temporary plastic teeth every few days so as not to look like Dracula's kin! ;-)"

On top of her medical issues, a reckless driver forced Almeta's car off the road and into a concrete median in April 2023. Luckily, Almeta was not seriously injured, but her car was. She initially had to replace the front passenger tire and was told the car would require further repair. In August, Almeta took the car for those repairs and learned they would cost over $3000.

Since then, Almeta has been relying on friends, students, and colleagues for rides to events and other obligations. While Almeta is grateful for the help she has received thus far, it's time for her to get her car back and regain her independence.

Supporting this fundraiser is not only a way to support an elder who has been a pillar of the Rochester community for decades; it's a way to support the community itself! Almeta's work supports community-making in Rochester by archiving elders' experiences and educating youths about the importance of supporting one another during both prosperous and difficult times. By helping Almeta with the cost of medical bills and car repairs, you will be helping to foster unity and understanding in Rochester and beyond.