By Dee Williams
I live in an 84 square foot tiny house in my friends’ backyard. Over the last 12+ years in this arrangement, I’ve been gifted with an opportunity to help when I can and (more problematically) learn how to accept help. The latter is harder for me, but both are part and parcel of living in a community, and I’m fortunate enough to be part of many: from my backyard community, to the huge and spirited tiny house community online that shares their stories, successes and challenges.
My dad was diagnosed with Leukemia in September last year, and is doing pretty good but “is scared” as he finally admitted on the phone a few days ago. We are so much alike… stubborn softies at heart.
So, I’m leaning into the weirdness of asking for help. I’m planning to raise money this summer by hiking a section (or two) of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), as a participant in the Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Some people run marathons, others do triathalons… me, I’m hiking and thinking about my dad, one step at a time.
Asking isn’t easy for me, but I’m doing it anyway. I know that far too many of us have been touched by these conditions in one way or another. Please consider a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise money for research and treatments for kids and old softies like my dad. I’m hoping to hike at least 100-miles, and if you could pledge $0.10 a mile or a 10-bucks a mile, whatever you can afford, I’ll be forever thankful.
I wish you all the best! Thanks! And let me know what I can offer you! I’m happy to send photos from the trail, and of my dad as he continues to lean into help (like me). Please send up the good juju for all families dealing with Leukemia and Lymphoma. I hope the best for all of us.