Friends, we are inviting you to join a network of support for our Dear Bia. Bia is getting separated and needs to move from her home in June.

Bia currently has severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. They are disabled and unable to work, and in need of community support for basic survival and medical needs. Bia plans to apply for government disability benefits to support their monthly expenses, however the process is often long, taking between one and three years. We are unsure if state support will even happen for Bia, due to numerous barriers. While they apply for additional support, they need community to support them with their monthly expenses.

Bia currently has over $5,500 of monthly expenses for rent, utilities, groceries, medicinal herbs, supplements, medical supplies, and paid time for a care aide ($1600/month). They are currently 90-95% bedbound, which means this consistency in care support is essential to their survival, and will help prevent further progression of their disease.

Bia has income of $400 per month through their Patreon, and occasional support from family of up to $1000 per month. Bia currently has money in savings that would run out in 5 months. With consistent community support, they will be able to rely on these savings for longer to fill gaps on months where they don't receive family support, and to pay for medical testing and treatment not covered by insurance in the coming year.

Bia still has 4K living expenses that are unmet—we are hoping to find within our community 70 people who can support as they are able. We anticipate this support will be needed for a minimum of a year. Folks are welcome to pledge support for as long as they are able, even if it's less than a year, or even a one-time donation.

If you're pledging monthly support, we ask that you fill out this form to let us know how long you will be able to continue, and if you need to withdraw support at any point, so that we can plan ahead and seek additional supporters as needed!

Would you consider being a part of Bia's rooted network of care in order to support their stability and survival during this transition?

Alternatively, it is also good to give funds directly to Bia via Paypal: BilloRaani or Venmo @billo-raano

Suggested tiers of support:

Caring Calendula $200/month (8 people)

Loving Lavender $100/month (9 people)

Poria People $50/month (15 people)

Generous Ginger $25/month (25 people)

Nourishing Nettles $12/month (9 people)

Grounding Gentian $5/month (5 people)

71 People Stabilizing and Rooting Bia $4008/month

Bia's Rooted Network of Care

We're hoping to root Bia in a network of care, much like the mycorrhizal networks that root and connect all plants and fungi in a forest, keeping them safe and nourished through a web of shared resources

Team Members