Hello, my name is Gabrielle Jones Price. Those of you who know my sister, Wendy will know me as Gabby. My hope is that those who don't know me or my sister continue to read on. 

No one is a stranger when it comes to suffering or struggles in life -- it is the one thing we all have in common as a human family and that is why I am here to ask for assistance in my family's time of need.

Wendy's husband has been suffering with the sudden onset of a severe health issue, diagnosed as possible Crohn's disease. No one seems to know with certainty why he has lost a startling amount of weight -- enough that I have been asked not to share recent photos of him. Even the precious photos of them together with my niece going to her first dance.

I've done fundraising for activists, organizations and friends in need. I sit here heartsick for them and want to turn this feeling of helplessness into helpfullness. 

My sister's family is beautiful, fun-loving, respected and active. My brother-in-law was especially active before his diagnosis: playing tennis, traveling for work in sports media, boating, swimming and golf to name a few of his favorite things. He has been instructed to bed rest for several weeks. As a sportsman, this is like being benched or put in a penalty box. Unable to stand for long periods, he's also not allowed to work. This alone I'm certain is a major source of frustration for him.

He's a great cook, a terrific father, adores my sister and we share a love for sarcasm and humor. This illness is incredibly challenging for all of them. It is difficult with the stress of bills mounting, no insurance and trying to keep my niece in good spirits approaching her birthday. [She's on the autism scale and a bouyant ray of light to all of us. For Aunt Gabby, this is as much for her wellbeing as her parents.] 

My big sister always watched over me when I came along. Full of advice [often when I didn't ask for it...big sisters are like that] but I've always been able to count on her whenever the chips were down and the need was dire. She shows up.

I want to show up for her. She probably won't like that I'm doing this but I know what it's like to be in a difficult place, to swallow pride and ask for help when it's most needed. And it is most needed for her family. So I am calling on my friends, her friends, his friends, all collegues and any angel donor that can help fill this need. Let's insure they're focused on his best of health instead of financial needs that often create undue stress on a family. I want to suprise them by lifting at least some of these burdens.

I'll be offering incentives as we go...like a silent auction of sorts.

My sister and I do things a little differently, butt heads on occassion but laugh easily at ourselves as much as each other. We were raised in a family of Beatlemaniacs, but her passion for their music and message she carried into her work is what I'd like to return:

All you need is Love.

Money helps, though! You may chose to donate any amount without participating in the auction. Updates are forthcoming and any family members, friends or colleagues are welcome to participate by sharing stories, anectdotes, etc. These will cheer them after the fundraiser is over and during his recovery from surgery. [If you're unable to donate but wish to offer a gift/service for auction, please contact me directly and we'll figure out a way to make it work.]

Thank you all for helping this little sister's effort to pay it forward for her big sister. 
One Love ~ Gabby