Vee (Bee) Sierra Mayo Medical Help
Donation protected
Hello all,
Many of you know us , Ruth and Vee, from RuBee Soul: a Queer, Mizrahi-Ashki, Afro-Puerto Rican, Disabled owned small jewelry business. Bee recently started going through their name change to Vee (Viktoria). In 2017, Vee underwent an emergency LIFT procedure in Rochester, MN at Mayo Clinic to remove an abscess that was turning septic in their body. This involved a surgery that removed muscle in the back tailbone area. This has led to permanent scar tissue that in turn has started causing a possible re-opening and ability to become septic , inside the former surgical area. On top of this, in February 2023 , a T4/5 mass was found on Vee’s thyroid that was suspicious at the time. The biopsy was supposed to happen within 6 months along with a much needed follow-up. But because of the loss of their father unexpectedly from a massive brain stem stroke and the sudden move cross country, they had to leave much of their belongings and leave as soon as possible (couch, table, furniture, shop materials and machines, etc). On top of this, there is an ongoing legal battle with the DOJ regarding the discrimination and loss of housing experienced by the Sierra family, during this time difficult (April 2023). On top of this move, the thyroid storms since last year have gotten worse, there is a new brain lesion present, and recent visit to the ER at the start of January 2024, has been absolutely exhausting. Due to the loss of work and extreme pay cut that had to be taken in order to also be a caretaker for their mother and father, there have been no funds to help cover the costs endured from the move, loss/shift in careers, basic essentials and to help with upcoming medical appointments and expenses.
Mayo Clinic in Phoenix has offered Vee a spot to receive medical care but insurance does not fully cover many of the procedures needed. On top of this, the need for hotels, food, and medicine are also expected. The first trip is February 14-21, 2023 and Ruth will have to take time off of work that cannot be afforded followed by scheduled follow- ups for both this surgical consult and the thyroid biopsy. The trip by car is 5 hours and is the easiest and least expensive way to travel.
Both of us, Rose and Vee work hard but are unable to barely keep afloat from the last year. With the upcoming medical expenses, there is a great need for help to get us to a place where we can actually take a step back and attempt to grieve and heal.
Along with this is the massive rise in Antisemitic sentiment within and out of the social media and maker spaces, which in turn has caused us to be pushed out and reprimanded for being a Jewish owned business. Boycotting “Zio” owned businesses has become a new trend and it has caused some makers in the community, including us, to feel pushed out and abandoned. We are so grateful to our online Jewish community for giving us space during this hard time.
*We are so appreciative of any and all help that we do and have received. We know right now if a very hard time for so many and appreciate you all for taking the time to read our story.
Many of you know us , Ruth and Vee, from RuBee Soul: a Queer, Mizrahi-Ashki, Afro-Puerto Rican, Disabled owned small jewelry business. Bee recently started going through their name change to Vee (Viktoria). In 2017, Vee underwent an emergency LIFT procedure in Rochester, MN at Mayo Clinic to remove an abscess that was turning septic in their body. This involved a surgery that removed muscle in the back tailbone area. This has led to permanent scar tissue that in turn has started causing a possible re-opening and ability to become septic , inside the former surgical area. On top of this, in February 2023 , a T4/5 mass was found on Vee’s thyroid that was suspicious at the time. The biopsy was supposed to happen within 6 months along with a much needed follow-up. But because of the loss of their father unexpectedly from a massive brain stem stroke and the sudden move cross country, they had to leave much of their belongings and leave as soon as possible (couch, table, furniture, shop materials and machines, etc). On top of this, there is an ongoing legal battle with the DOJ regarding the discrimination and loss of housing experienced by the Sierra family, during this time difficult (April 2023). On top of this move, the thyroid storms since last year have gotten worse, there is a new brain lesion present, and recent visit to the ER at the start of January 2024, has been absolutely exhausting. Due to the loss of work and extreme pay cut that had to be taken in order to also be a caretaker for their mother and father, there have been no funds to help cover the costs endured from the move, loss/shift in careers, basic essentials and to help with upcoming medical appointments and expenses.
Mayo Clinic in Phoenix has offered Vee a spot to receive medical care but insurance does not fully cover many of the procedures needed. On top of this, the need for hotels, food, and medicine are also expected. The first trip is February 14-21, 2023 and Ruth will have to take time off of work that cannot be afforded followed by scheduled follow- ups for both this surgical consult and the thyroid biopsy. The trip by car is 5 hours and is the easiest and least expensive way to travel.
Both of us, Rose and Vee work hard but are unable to barely keep afloat from the last year. With the upcoming medical expenses, there is a great need for help to get us to a place where we can actually take a step back and attempt to grieve and heal.
Along with this is the massive rise in Antisemitic sentiment within and out of the social media and maker spaces, which in turn has caused us to be pushed out and reprimanded for being a Jewish owned business. Boycotting “Zio” owned businesses has become a new trend and it has caused some makers in the community, including us, to feel pushed out and abandoned. We are so grateful to our online Jewish community for giving us space during this hard time.
*We are so appreciative of any and all help that we do and have received. We know right now if a very hard time for so many and appreciate you all for taking the time to read our story.
Organizer
Beryl Sierra
Organizer
Las Cruces, NM
