Shannon,

Reading this really breaks my heart. I mean that. If you ever need some words of encouragement or a healthy venting session, please email me. And let me know what I can do to help once you're in Los Angeles. I have some travel writer/publicist/"influencer" friends who might be able to get deals on accommodations for you and your daughter. I know what it feels like to be alone and I wish that on no one.

I am going to exercise massive restraint because I have...THOUGHTS about some of the men of whom you speak and they are far from positive. Nearly all of whom I've blocked because I don't want their message in my feed. I'll end it there.

I will say this--sadly, (and it's not just the men on medium because there are plenty of women who are equally self-serving) people primarily care about serving their interests, what advances them strategically, and the interests of their inner circle. Anything else is selective altruism. Granted, I'm not referring to the people whom you've mentioned in this article because I don't know their lives or care to, but more like people in general. Many Americans, specifically, since we're such an individualistic culture.

It's easier to write about kindness than to practice it, daily, even at the sacrifice of our comfort. I say this having been a large-time self-serving, selfish asshole who is turning that beat around. But it's work.

Thankfully, there are wonderful people out there. I have to believe this or we're all fucked. Many of whom support you and have donated to your surgery.

I read something of Jessica Wildfire's (I can remember what) that stuck with me. People who struggle are primarily the people who recognize and help when they see struggle in others and I know this (at least for myself) to be true.

I sincerely hope you raise the money you need.

Warmly, Felicia

P.S. Our health care system is complete and utter garbage.