Help a freelancer in need, help save Lori's house

UPDATE: I am sorry to have to report that Lori Hall Steele passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the age of 44 after a short and mystifying illness that was diagnosed as either Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) or Lyme disease. Here is her obituary as it was printed in the Traverse City (MI) Record-Eagle.

Lori Hall Steele is a Traverse City, Michigan, freelance writer and single mom battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and chronic Lyme disease. She is facing losing her home to foreclosure because she is too sick to work. Her medical bills are more than $50,000 and growing. Lori’s writer friends are banding together to do what we can to help, including making this plea to fellow writers and others for a donation.

As a freelance writer, Lori has published articles for local, regional and national publications, including copy-editing fellow Michiganite Michael Moore’s book Dude, Where’s My Country? and helping him launch his now popular Traverse City Film Festival.

In September 2007, Lori lost the ability to move her feet. The paralysis later spread to her legs and arms. She is now confined to a hospital bed and dependent upon a Bi-Pap breathing machine. She’s only 44.

Earlier this year, the American Society of Journalists and Authors’ Writers Emergency Assistance Fund (WEAF) gave Lori its maximum grant of $2,500, and she may qualify for a second grant next month. But it isn’t enough. If you can make a donation, or want to learn more, please visit Save Lori’s House.

You can also visit the Lori Hall Steele Fundraising Blog to make a donation and read what other writers are saying in a blogathon we’re conducting for her.

Thank you.

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