Happy Holidays Friends and Family,
The last three years have been the most difficuIt of my life, leaving us without a home for the first time time ever. But I’m not worried about me…and the six diagnoses I’ve gotten, or the two strokes I’ve had, or the five surgeries I’m facing, not even about the Social Security Disability that has yet to start, two years after filing. What matters is the baby of our family, Sinalei. She has been affected the most, as she’s a child who thrives on routine and structure. And so, when asked what she wants for Christmas. All she says is…for us to be in a home by the holidays. You are part of a group of my closest longtime friends, dearest family, and trusted colleagues, and so I am very uncomfortably (but humbly) sharing some personal details of my life so that you may understand why I’m putting myself out there like this.
After exhausting all options of a place to stay or that is affordable for us, I am taking the advice of others and asking for a loan by which will make up for the funds my cousin/roommate whom I call “sister,” Ata, my son Soliai and I don’t have so that we can have a temporary place to call home for Sinalei, as we await my inheritance and disability benefits, both slated to arrive by February. The amount we are hoping to borrow totals roughly $6,000. As much as I detest doing this, when it comes to my kids and their wellbeing, my comfort and pride take a backseat. So if you’re interested in helping, please read on to better understand why we’ve gotten here…
In 2021, I got diagnosed with Post-Covid Severe Asthma, forcing me to resign as Development Director of the nonprofit, Immaculate Heart Community. A year of pain and illnesses later, I got diagnosed with five other conditions, resulting in two strokes and leaving me to face five surgeries. That’s when I filed for Social Security disability which, as it turns out is a long and arduous process. A little ray of hope came when I received the news that I am finally going to get the benefits of my Mother’s pension from her 46 year career in the airline industry. That will be wired to me sometime over the next 30-60 days. Disability is out of review and into the “decision writing stage” which will include a retroactive award stemming back to when I filed almost two years ago. The belief is that I will have a better picture of my health when I am without the stress of being in financial ruins. The goal is to then have what surgeries I need to be as pain free as possible with better movement and brain function, leaving me able to get my business back and running. We determined that the best thing to do is get into a place on a temporary basis for these next two months. As I mentioned, it is of the utmost importance that my Sinalei be in some semblance of a home for Christmas. Her anxiety over all of this has been through the roof, hence the urgency. We are confident we’ve found the most affordable option for these next eight weeks or so, but we are still $6,000 short, at a minimum. Of course we need to get this done today or tomorrow, as we can’t afford to spend more money on hotels and the longer we wait, the bigger the risk of losing the place or the cost going up. The market is crazy but then again, we do live in LA after all and ‘tis the season of vacation rentals and consequent inflated pricing. Trust I have searched through every rental or vacation home app there is, extended stays, house sitting, exhausted resources etc. We’ve even tried pricing out super small spaces but with the number of people we are, we don’t qualify. Sooo, I am hoping friends and family are able to help, with the promise that I can and will pay every penny back. The second I receive anything. And certainly by March 1. In the meantime, I am happy to help with whatever projects you might have. I do have an array of talents lol, starting with damn good wrapping skills…1-2-1-2…haha that’s a joke, extensive writing experience, an event planning background, and fundraising abilities from an 18 year career in nonprofit. I can also do a bit of marketing and graphic design. And, I even had a side gig of doing home organization - love me some messy closets lol! Whatever you need done, I can help! So glad this limbo land is coming to an end but it’s longer than what we have to survive. It sure has been tough but ya know, my Mom and Dad raised me to be resilient and hopeful and that, I am!
Please, If you have the means and would like to help, you will assuredly be paid back. And soon. The first $2,000 will be used for immediate placement at a short term rental and the remainder to figure out transportation and the second four weeks of our living expenses. Anything helps! Of course I will also gladly accept suggestions, leads, jokes, hugs, and prayers too!!
Here’s to a new year of good health, laughter, and love for us all! I hope this finds you and yours well.
Respectfully and sincerely grateful,
Noëlle and Family
