Caring for the Caregivers

Hi, Friends. My name is Erika and I have had the good fortune to work with Shanti Akayla for the past 8 years. For those of you who don't know Shanti, she is an amazingly kind and skillful Medical Social Worker who is able to connect with the most vulnerable folks in our community. She is a loyal and unwavering friend and colleague always lifting up others even in the midst of her own struggles. Shanti worked tirelessly through the pandemic, often covering shifts for colleagues who were out sick or caring for family. While all of this was going on, Shanti's amazing wife, Nea, was working the frontlines as an RN. As the pandemic subsided and hope for a brighter future loomed large, Shanti and Nea received some devastating news. Nea was diagnosed with ovarian and endometrial cancer. She's been undergoing treatment for several months now. It's rough, but she has a good job so she must have great insurance, right?? Well, she did. Until her FMLA ran out and her employer terminated her insurance. Right in the middle of cancer treatment. That this was possible and really happening was a shock to us all, including several experienced Social Workers! At this time, Nea's only choice for insurance is COBRA. For the mere cost of $1,000/month. So when Nea is out on disability and Shanti is working as much as she can while caring for Nea, their dogs, and their home, they suddenly have an unexpected additional expense. Some of Nea and Shanti's friends and supporters have suggested we set up a GoFundMe account to assist them with these expenses. Let's show these two amazing people who have given so much of themselves to their community that their community will lift them up in return. If you are able and feel so moved, please consider a donation to help our beloved friends and colleagues through this difficult time.