Supporting the Easters: Naima's Medical Journey

Hello All,

I'm asking for your support of the Easters, dear friends of our family.

"Whoever changes one life, changes the whole world."

Michelle Easter's story is a testament to this truth. She's a single mother to Malia, Naima, Catherine, and Vicky, all born in the heart of Congo-Kinshasa. They faced unimaginable hardship in their early lives —physical abuse, malnutrition, and a lack of access to education. The culturally and environmentally rich Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country struck by colonization and a decades-long war resulting in the deaths of more than 6 million Congolese. Another by-product of the last 30 years of conflict is that as so many young people have, Michelle’s four girls nearly lost their childhoods, and so very much more.

Upon arriving in a predominantly white U.S. community as non-English speaking Black children, they confronted racism and discrimination. Their days are now filled with academic support, trauma therapy, and sometimes paralyzing anxiety and depression. Despite these challenges, Michelle's unwavering dedication has helped them excel in dance, sports, work, and school.

The Easter family now confronts a new challenge. Naima was diagnosed with a treatment-resistant, life-threatening heart condition 18 months ago. Without nearby family support, Michelle juggles the needs of her other daughters while accompanying Naima on frequent hour-long trips to Stanford Children's Hospital while also working full-time. They urgently need financial assistance for transportation, childcare, medical expenses, and unexpected costs, with Michelle already having incurred $16,000 in unanticipated expenses. My initial goal is to raise $25,000 to support this resilient family.

Naima aspires to be a social worker, focused on aiding survivors of domestic violence and the foster care system. Malia is an active member of the Youth Action Network, works for City Parks and Recreation, and dreams of being a businesswoman. Vicky, a high school student, practices hula dancing and volunteers at a hair salon. Catherine, a sixth-grader, participates in science club, dance, and basketball. Investing in the Easters means investing in future social justice advocates and community leaders who already make an impact beyond themselves.

So many of us share a common desire—to make a difference in the lives of others, in our communities, and in the world. While we can't erase their painful past or immediately solve institutionalized racism and healthcare disparities, we can take a significant step by making an immediate and transformative change in the Easter family's life.

Please join me in contributing today. Regardless of the donation size, your support will profoundly impact their journey. Whether or not you are able to donate, please share this link on social media—Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.

Let's reflect on Senator Robert F. Kennedy's words: "Each time a person stands up for an ideal, acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope, and those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." Thank you for standing with me in support of the Easter family.

Together, we can make a positive impact during this challenging time. Please consider making a contribution today and sharing this campaign with your friends and family. Your kindness and generosity are so appreciated. Let's rally around Michelle, Catrine, Malia, Naima, Cat, Vicky, and their furry friends and show them the love and strength of our community.

If not now, when?

With heartfelt gratitude,

Debra

PS Here are details about Naima's medical journey on Caring Bridge. In addition to donating, there are other ways to support the the Easters with Sunday dinners, a monthly sleepover to give Michelle a break, and helping with Naima's service dog that you can find here.

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