Toss Rachel LeBlanc some cancer cash

Hey friends. No one ever wants to have to do this, but the reality is we live in a country that will gladly bankrupt people while they struggle to survive a life-changing and life-threatening diagnosis. 

Our girl, Rachel LeBlanc, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma in early June. Due to a vascular-related complication, she was admitted to Swedish hospital. The medical team determined the severity of her situation warranted a week-long inpatient stay and immediate initiation of chemotherapy. She is back in the comfort of her own home now receiving treatment every other week in what will be, at minimum, a 6-month course of chemotherapy plus a couple radiation rounds. Rachel has had to file for medical leave from her job for this duration; this all follows a prior medical leave on her doctor’s recommendation from burn-out and follow up on months of symptoms.

So, there ain't no sugar coating for this cupcake: cancer ain't cheap. Being on medical leave, Rachel will not be collecting income, and may only qualify for minimal financial support through this ordeal. Her work will continue providing insurance through August, and then she will be required to pay out of pocket. Words cannot express how angry it makes me that we do not have systems to provide for people in these situations, but here we are, and that is why as a long-time friend of Rachel I am turning to GoFundMe: America's finest safety-net.

Rachel LeBlanc has been a movin', shakin' part of the Seattle DIY community for a decade and a half, volunteering her time and energy cultivating space for the creative endeavors of others, collaborating on multiple projects, and making her own music. She has lent her various talents to Hollow Earth Radio and Debacle Records, plus booked at most DIY and small venues in town. She simultaneously worked for a charitable fundraiser. In the past few years, Rachel made a career change and has served as a funeral director for a not-for-profit co-op funeral home. We wish for a restful and successful treatment throughout the next 6-months so that she can be back in action, doing what she does best: bringing smiles, laughs, and legendary hugs to the people.

In addition to providing support for her monthly rent, so our girl can stay housed and focus on her health, funds will be used to help cover the monthly insurance premium she needs to pay to keep her treatment on track -- plus co-payments and other out-of-pocket costs. If we can meet our goal, maybe the woman can even UberEats herself a dinner now and then when she ain't feeling so hot.

Again, no one wants to be in this position, but the reality is the next several months are gonna be rough. If you can spare a few bucks now, or possibly come back and spare a few bucks a little later, it would mean a lot and could really make an impact on her ability to focus her attention where it ought to be: on her recovery.