Help Natalie Recover!

Hi, all. This is Leila Sleiman and Lauren Spagna, and we are hoping to raise at least $25,000 for our friend and Pittsburgh VegFest co-founder, Natalie Fristick.

On November 8th, Natalie narrowly and miraculously survived an attempted homicide and nightmarish acts of domestic violence. Among other injuries endured that night, every bone in both of Natalie's heels were shattered in her escape.

Natalie spent one month in the hospital, underwent 2 major surgeries, 3 months of being completely non-weight bearing, and has recently begun to walk short distances again, though in extreme pain.

Throughout this time, Natalie has been completely without income while mortgage and car payments, medical bills, credit card bills and daily living costs have continued to roll in.

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Natalie attempted to go back to work this week because she has almost depleted her savings while unable to work and is facing losing everything. Unfortunately, 2 days of modified work, mostly seated, left her completely unable to walk and in agony. She is not able to return to work yet. It's too soon. Natalie is so strong and tried to do this on her own, but she needs more time to heal.

Natalie understandably has not wanted us to do a GoFundMe in earlier months as this matter is personal, private, and traumatic. But we are grateful that she has now allowed us to reach out to the community to ask for help and support in her recovery

It isn't fair that someone could face losing everything after surviving an attempted homicide- but this is an example of the reality of extreme domestic violence.

We ultimately hope to help her keep her car, pay for necessities, medical expenses, and prepare to sell her house, as she needs to downsize and get away from the horror that happened in it.

We don't think that she should suffer any further losses and stressors on top of the nightmare of the past 4 months and her battle ahead with mobility issues and chronic pain.

You may know Natalie as the kind, always smiling co-founder of Pittsburgh VegFest. She puts countless unpaid, all volunteer hours into this event and others every year, in hopes of a positive impact on animal welfare, social justice, environmental justice, and the community. We are often told that VegFest brings joy to people, and we hope that some of that goodness Natalie works so hard to spread through events will return to her in her time of need.

All funds will be deposited directly into Natalie's bank account, and we are grateful for all donations, big or small, and shares. We appreciate you all so much.

Sincerely,

Leila Sleiman and Lauren Spagna