Welcome all, and thanks for reading.
If you’ve frequented Daily Kos much in the last few years, you’ve no doubt run up on at least one diary by ZenTrainer, or (for those who’ve met her in person) Tracy Ann. Anyone who’s met her and spoken with her will tell you of her quick and irreverent wit, her abiding love for animals (whose care she often prioritizes over her own), and her steadfast work for small-race progressive candidates across America. Whether it’s diary-writing here, or networking in person or by phone, her efforts are consistent and mindful, and undiscouraged by the inevitable losses in these hard-fought races. (Not to mention emboldened by the wins!)
And if you’ve been reading for the last few days, you’ve probably noticed that ZenTrainer’s facing her own struggle in the days to come. ZT is a cancer survivor who’s been through prior surgery and therapy. Her insurance will expire on the 31st of this month — just weeks away; so she’s going to have surgery to treat the disfigurement caused by prior treatment and surgery just before that happens — in three days, on the ninth.
Remembrance wrote a truly beautiful diary, with many testimonies from ZT’s friends and travelling companions. I can truly add nothing to such a wonderful tribute, nor hope to better it. What I can do — and am doing — is ask once again for this wonderful and caring community to do one of the things it does best — help someone deserving who is in need.
Tracy’s normal work is as a home cleaner and animal caregiver. It’s typical for her to have several dogs (only one of which is actually her companion) living in her home at any time, while their owners travel. It’s a testament to Zen’s character (and composure!) that she can mediate between several dogs consistently. And having seen her in action, I can speak to the quality of care she gives. Once she’s recovered, should ever I travel far from home without a means of caring for my dogs and cats, she’ll be the person I turn to with a glad heart. (And if I ever go to another Netroots meet-up, I wanna go with her {& Peregrine Kate & AsterKitty} again, too!)
Tracy, if you should read this, I’ll KosMail you soon. If you would accept it, I’d like to volunteer to help with your in-home care. I don’t know yet how much I can do, but all the time I can give you, I will.
For others who wish to help, here are the ways we can:
Here is where you can send funds:
PayPal: send using the “family and friends” option to zenpaws AT msn DOT com
Check: make to Tracy B. Ann and send to P.O. Box 293372, Nashville, TN 37229
Please also send cards and any other recovery treats (gluten-free if edible) to the address above.
We have a goal of $7500.00
Tracy’s income effectively stops at the end of this week, and her savings have been depleted by a hard year. She’s a tough lady, but I know that prospect has to be uncomfortable for her; and as much as she hates to ask anyone for help, she truly needs it.
All manner of aid — funds, kindness gifts, and well-wishes — is truly appreciated.
Thanks everyone for reading, sharing, and caring.