Bitter Threads

During my brief but memorable encounter with Jacki Gethner at a local writer's café, I was drawn to her candid style of communication.   Our conversation covered a range of topics, but what stood out to me was Jacki's dedication to helping people affected by illness to become advocates for their own health. Jacki faced the challenge of living with Hepatitis C and spent many years trying to access medical treatment. Unfortunately, her efforts were unsuccessful due to her age and state restrictions. It wasn't until she reached the age of 65 and became eligible for Medicare that she was finally able to receive the treatment she needed. Despite the struggles with her own health, Jacki has dedicated her career to supporting and educating individuals with a wide range of health challenges. As a licensed massage therapist and Reiki Master, Jacki specializes in somatic therapy and teaches individuals skills to overcome barriers specific to their population. Her expertise has been p...

  Writing a blog post about someone who has played such a meaningful role in people's lives is no easy task. It can be challenging to find the right words to convey the depth of their impact, but upon meeting Donna Maxey, one thing is clear – you feel seen. Truly seen. Donna Maxey is an inspiring figure who has dedicated her life to promoting racial equity and understanding. As the founder of   RACE TALKS: Uniting to Break the Chains of Racism , a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, she has created a space for people to engage in conversations about race and racism, helping to dispel preconceived notions people may have about one another. Donna's commitment to community service can be traced back to her parents, Johnnie Obina Samples and Charles Maxey, both of whom were actively involved in giving back to their community. Charles joined the NAACP as a college student, an underground activity, and many decades later he received the honorary Freedom Award Citation ...