Dear friends, Chef Skye here. You all know me as an animal rights advocate and the author of the Gentle Chef cookbooks.

You came to my rescue back in 2021 when I was hit with lung cancer. With your help I was able to cover my medical bills. Thankfully, a new treatment protocol helped me survive. I'm cancer-free now.

However, now I've been coping with a devastating and destructive nerve and bone disease called Charcot arthropathy, or neuropathic arthropathy. Charcot arthropathy refers to a progressive fragmentation of bones and joints in the feet along with neuropathy. This leads to considerable deformity, including limb instability, ulceration, infection, and sometimes amputation (which I finally lost my left leg on 7/15/25).

This illness is literally destroying my feet and my ability to walk. The pain has been excruciating and debilitating. I've already been in the hospital five times for this rare condition which only affects 1% of diabetics.

I'm currently living on my social security disability and the small amount of royalties from my cookbook work (fame is a fleeting thing, especially when constantly dealing with illness). Medicare covers a good percentage of my medical bills, but the copays and cost of medical supplies and equipment are still overwhelming.

I'm an amputee, using a wheelchair (until fitted with my prosthetic leg) and trying to take care of my 2-story home and 11 community rescue cats. I'm embarrassed that I'm in this position but I need help. Any amount is greatly appreciated to literally help me get back on my feet.