My mother is a wonderful, optimistic, generous soul. She was a dancer and as a single mother, went back to school when I was in grade school to become a social worker. While in school, she worked with runaway teenagers. In the 80's - 90's, she worked the downtown, South Central, East L.A. area. When the case loads went from 30 children to over 60 and she found that she was not able to really make a difference in the children's lives, she transitioned to working and advocating for Elderly with Alzheimer's. In 2000, She began working with children/teenagers with Learning Disabilities at the Kayne-Eras Center in Culver City. In 2002, She was diagnosed with Parkinson's and shortly therafter had to stop working when it affected her vocal cords. With no savings or assets, she was unable to survive on the $800/month from SSI and moved to Israel in 2008. Last month after a huge shift in her health (she lost control of the lower part of body, including legs), she was hospitalized and diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's disease) - a form of motor neuron disease that is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. Sheffy has lost the control of her legs and lower body and is currently in the a wheelchair. She is in need of aid - energetically, financially – for the full time care that she now requires. She does not want to return to the U.S., so as the only child, I am put in the position of honoring her wishes, raising an additional $500 for the full time care that she now requires. Whew! I am exploring new avenues for revenue.
It is a wake up call, having been living month-to-month with no savings, I realize that I need to change my life to prepare for my future, have a lot of kids to take care of me in my old age (this I say in jest), and make short term miracles happen to deal with the present.
85% of the time I am buddhist and calm and 15% I am crying - which I feel is a healthy ratio given the situation.
I See the Karmic patterns. No one asks for such horrific illnesses (esp. the two together!) But for someone to give unconditionally to the community all her life. I see the bigger picture. Now she needs my, our support. It is an opportunity for expansion, realization of our common web of existance. And the necessary need to stretch and reach out to each other. Together miracles happen.
I realize more than ever, the call to the community - for help. With no expectation, pure possibility - if her story, my story affects you - all contributions big and small are appreciated (checks can be mailed to Sheffy Eloul 7654 Fountain Ave #8, LA CA90046).

That being said - I am devoting The next 3 Gong Baths - June 13th, July 11th, and August TBA @Heaven and Earth 7122 N. Beverly Blvd, LA CA to funding my mom's care.

Also - I am doing a raffle, for those who can come and those who cannot. $5 for one, $20 for 5 - Please check out the link to see the wonderful prizes being offered!