“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ― John Bunyan link
Jeannette Altes
TWW is always willing to give a shout out to friends of the blog who are experiencing financial hardships. Jeannette Altes has been commenting on our blog for years. In the last number of months, she has been diagnosed with a good sized tumor in her lymphatic system for which she is undergoing treatment and experiencing some success with the regression in the size of the tumor.
Unfortunately, due to her health problems, she lost her job and is having trouble making ends meet. This is compounded by the fact she had to default on her student loans. Jeannette is a graphic designer. Since losing her job, she does not have access to good graphics software which makes it difficult for her to find jobs that she can work at from home.
Her current needs includes $1200/month for living expenses. She also hopes to raise $1500 to buy a good basic graphic design package for her computer.
Her aunt has set up a GoFundMe account to help her during this time. If you feel led to contribute, here is the link.
Finally, TWW is always willing to support our readers who are going through tough times. Due to our current situation, we do not have the time to manage an account but are willing to advertise such an account set up by others.
Dee, thank you so much. You have restored hope.
To all those that are so willing and ready to help….there are no adequate words. I am humbled and grateful. Thank you.
@Jeannette … so sorry to hear of the overlapping difficulties you’ve been experiencing. Especially praying you quickly can get the software you need to get up and running again, and freelance work you need to keep you going!
Jeannette – praying for you!
Jeannette, I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I’m not in a good place financially, otherwise I would donate some money on your account.
I know Adobe doesn’t make things cheap with their software, either. You can’t even really buy it anymore, they make you do that subscription service stuff.
I hope things bet better for you. 🙂
Like Daisy, my finances are too tight to contribute, but I can pray for you, Jeannette, and I am doing so.
Jeannette, money is tight for me, too. I had to resign from my job in 2010 due to Heath reasons, but you have my prayers – not just that you get the funding you need, but also that your medical treatments will be very successful!
Praying for you too but I can and will chip in with some cash when I get paid next week. That’s a promise.
I am of course praying. But would love to find a way to help you financially. I live in Hong Kong, work as a volunteer at an no called Crossroads Foundation, so know all too well how it feels to be in need.
Not sure how to get money to you though – any ideas. I don’t have a us$ bank account but I’m sure can think of something….(with HIS help)
Thank you all so much. Prayers are much appreciated, as well.
@ Clarissa:
I don’t know whether the GoFundMe site will let you send without US funds, but if it wont, a possible alternative: if you click on my name at the top of this comment, it will take you to my blog site where there is a PayPal button. PayPal should allow you to send. Thank you.
Jeanette — i’m so sorry for your circumstances. i’ll pray my best prayer for you this morning.
Hello Ladies,
May I recommend some good F*R*E*E* software.
1. Paint.net at http://www.getpaint.net Windows
2. Gimp at http://www.gimp.org Mac and Windows
3. 3D DAZ Studio at http://www.daz3d.com Mac and Windows
4. 3d Blender at http://www.blender.org Mac and Windows
5. Sculptris http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/ Mac and Windows
6. Houdini Apprentice FX
http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_download&task=apprentice&Itemid=208
7. Prezi presentation Tool http://www.prezi.com Use in web browser
Have a blessed weekend
Hi Jeannette, I’m so sorry for what you are going through. Two quick questions- do you have health coverage that is paying your medical bills and have you applied for disability?
The Adobe suite is a monthly subscription now, it looks like the programs you need are about $75 a month. I have heard a lot about Gimp as Dr. Win mentioned above, I haven’t tried it but at first glance it seems similar to Photoshop. Maybe it would do the job.
@ Dr Win:
Thank you. I will check these out.
@ siteseer:
Hi. Yeah, I know adobe has gone the subscription route. However, I would still like to have one of the actual software copies (preferably including Dreamweaver for web design) because sometimes I find myself without internet access and if the software is actually installed on my computer, I can work without the internet. I am checking out the sites Dr Win listed. 🙂
To all of you: Thank you so much. You have restored hope.
@ siteseer:
I realized I forgot to answer your first question. As to health insurance: no I do not have coverage for my treatments.
Just wanted to thank everyone again and give and update.
Because of the gifts given to date:
* My bills are all current
* March’s rent is paid
* Treatment supplies to get me into April have been paid for
* I have food and a full tank of gas
* I have paid for a writing class I’ve been wanting to take and have started it
Thank you much.
@ Jeannette Altes:
Hooray! Thanks for the update.
Here is the latest update.
I have received letters from potential employers letting me know they have hired someone else.
However, I am taking the writing class and learning a lot.
I also have some potential design work, but none of this is generating income right now.
So, my next financial hurdle is the March bills coming due the end of next week. They will total $450, plus I will also need to get some gas in my car. I am okay for food as I applied for an qualified for temporary food stamps. That will be reviewed periodically, but has given me the resources to buy food for a couple more weeks.
So, bottom line: I am still in need of assistance if anyone has the ability and desire. I appreciate any assistance that can be provided. Little bits add up to big bits.
Again, I understand if you are not able or willing. I know times are tough all around, right now.
Thank you.
Jeannette Altes wrote:
*I have sometimes gotten discounted software (greatly reduced) through the local community college bookstore when I’ve taken even one class.
*Could you also email a community college instructor in your field for any ideas about discounted software?
*Lastly, there is support group called Debtors Anonymous that deals with debt, underearning, health issues, etc. If there isn’t a group near you, there are phone-in groups and Skype groups that you can attend that way.
http://debtorsanonymous.org/getting_started/index.php/find/phone_meeting
Clarissa wrote:
I used a credit card on one of my other donations to another GoFundMe fundraiser. Try that.
Clarissa
I have only used my credit card for Go Fund Me. I will try to see how one can contribute in other ways.
Here is my latest update.
I still haven’t been able to generate much income. I spent most of the day Tuesday at the local Workforce Center taking job search classes, etc as a requirement for receiving Food Assistance. Part of that requires that I volunteer a certain amount of hours per month. I am hoping I might be able to turn that around to something that can generate income.
I am still taking the writing class and learning some valuable things.
In the meantime, the bills still need to be paid. I have paid all of March’s bills but one…it still needs $125 on and it was do last Monday. I will need to get more food next week (the food assistance is great, but it doesn’t stretch for the whole month), and then, April’s rent is coming up – $565.
I am so grateful to all who have helped so far. I did not expect the wonderful response I have received. I also did not expect to still need help…but I do.
So, if anyone is still able and willing to help, I would be very appreciative. You all have been awesome. Thank you!
Dr Win: I downloaded those programs and some of them are definitely helpful and actually kinda rock. Thanks!
To all of you: Thank you so much for the suggestions, encouragements and prayers. They are very appreciated.
To Dee: again, thank you so much for all you do. Your are amazing.
Jeannette, if you are still reading this thread:
The best free graphic design software, Feb 2014 article:
http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/free-graphic-design-software-8134039
@ Daisy:
Thank you. I will check it out! 🙂
Here is the latest update.
I am continuing to apply for jobs. No bites yet. Doing volunteer work at a local church as part of the Workforce program to earn food stamps. Health is about the same…no worse, but no better. April’s bills start coming due next week – $400 worth plus I will need to get more of the treatment supplies not covered by insurance in a week – about $200 worth. Plus the ongoing need for gas and to buy healthy food beyond what food stamps covers (they pay for healthy food, but I run out over coverage before I run out of month).
Though somewhat discouraged some days, and often just tired, I am not giving up. 🙂
This chapter in my life will have an end….but it is not here yet.
So, if there is anyone who is still able and willing to help, I would be very grateful. As always, I understand if you cannot or do not wish to. We’re all dealing with the same economy.
Thank you for all you have already done. I love you all and pray you are held in His hand.
http://www.gofundme.com/ljahelp
Latest update. I got a call today and have a job interview with the county on Tuesday. I believe it’s part time, but it is a start and I will absolutely take it. In the meantime, I’m am $200 behind on March bills and still need food, gas, etc….and May’s rent will come due before I get a paycheck (assuming I get the job 🙂 ). And still need the treatment items not covered by insurance (approx. $150 at this point). This has been a challenge, mentally, but I’m still moving forward, fears and frustrations and pains and all. Thank you all so much for your help and support. You are all amazing. I will let you know how the interview goes. THANKS!
http://www.gofundme.com/ljahelp
Well, the interview yesterday went well. I am hopeful, though there are a lot of applicants. I will know by Monday at the latest and will let you all know as soon as I do. In the meantime, thanks to you all, my April bills are current, my May rent is paid, the treatment supplies not covered by insurance have been ordered, my gas tank is full, and I have food through the weekend. The only thing I need now is money for food next week into May 5th, when my food card will reload. It is humbling a amazing how generous you all have been. You are amazing! Thank you so much. (Also, I wanted to let you know in the name of providing information, that GoFundMe takes out 7.9% + 0.30 processing fee per transaction.)
http://www.gofundme.com/ljahelp
Here’s the latest update.
It appears I did not get the job. So, on to the next thing.
I’m am continuing to work on my writing and pursuing some paid online writing possibilties.
The financial needs remain the same.
May’s rent is paid. May’s bills will begin coming due the end of next week – $500 total for those. More immediate is food. It is still another 8 days before my food card reloads. My car also is in need of some minor maintanence – about $100 worth. It still runs, but is getting a little rough starting.
I have begun the new protocol for my tumor and am excited about the effects and have supplies for that through May.
So, that is my current status. I know that no matter how things play out, I will be okay. I am still amazed and humbled by all of the generosity you have shown me. Thank you so much.
http://www.gofundme.com/ljahelp