Transcending community, artists near and far are pitching in to help an area freelance writer struggling with a mysterious neurological illness.
Lori Hall Steele is finding out what it means to have friends ... and friends of friends.
The illness took hold last fall and Steele has been unable to work as a freelance writer since the middle of March. Adding both stress and financial anguish, her insurance company has denied all coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
After months of paying for tests and treatment out of pocket with no definitive diagnosis in sight, Steele's financial resources have been tapped out. Doctors in both Traverse City and at the University of Michigan search for a cause while Steele struggles to stay afloat, emotionally, professionally and financially.
Close friends and colleagues decided to organize a fund-raising benefit for Steele, which is scheduled for this Saturday at Mercato at Building 50 in Traverse City. Friends and even strangers have donated the books, artwork or services in an outpouring of support. The public event will also feature appetizers from Pearl's, Mustard's and Trattoria Stella as well as wine from Black Star Farms.
If the roles were reversed, said friend and benefit organizer, Kris Hains said Steele would be the first to step up.
"Lori is definitely the caregiver in any situation, she's accustomed to taking others under her wing and lending support," noted Hains. "Even now, I know she's not entirely comfortable with us seeking help on her behalf and yet I think she knows we are all doing this because we love her and it's really the only way we know of to help."
As of Tuesday, more than 150 people have contributed one or more items, including books, artwork, trips, services and unique items such as a custom song or a wine-and-cheese sailboat cruise on a private boat.
"This will be the cream of the crop of northern Michigan art, all donated with love," said Patty LaNoue Stearns, a friend of Steele's and a local freelance writer.
Books available include one donated and signed by Stephen King, who after a serious accident in 1999 launched the Haven Foundation to aid freelancer writers and artists facing illness, natural disaster, accident or personal catastrophe. Many northern Michigan authors have also donated books in honor of Steele, who penned "Sweet & Snappy Cherry Drinks" in 2004 and also wrote for regional and national publications.
"Her writing is very soulful, some of the essays that she's written have truly made me cry because they're so poignant," said Stearns.
Steele's plight and the chance to help resonated with other self-employed creative people in the region and beyond. They understand why someone would forgo the safety of a salaried job to forge a freelance career. When crisis strikes, they feel compelled to help.
"But for the grace of God, it could be anyone," said Kelly Curtis, a close friend who has been cataloging the donations.
Friends began talking about a fundraiser around Thanksgiving, initially considering auctioning off some signed copies of books written by area authors. When the depth of Steele's financial need became clear, her friends expanded their thinking and contacted other area freelance writers and artists.
The concept went viral from there as each person passed the plea on to their friends and so on.
"I'm amazed by the number of complete strangers who call me up and ask for my address so they can send a check, people who don't even know her," said Hains, a longtime friend of Steele's. "That's what's incredible: we really do live in a very generous area. Even if our insurance companies don't take care of us at least we take care of each other."
Steele's physical troubles began quietly in mid summer when her ankle became weak, which she attributed to years of sitting with her leg tucked under her at the computer. By September the weakness was affecting her gait and she sought medical help. The condition spread throughout her body and doctors initially feared Guillain-Barre syndrome. Now the specter of Lou Gehrig's disease or Lyme disease remain possibilities.
Over the months, Steele's condition has deteriorated until her mother returned to the state to help care for her and her 6-year-old son, Jackson.
"None of us can do anything to change her physical condition, but if we can provide financial support to get her to better doctors or give her peace of mind, then that's our mission and that's what we're going to do," said Hains.
The fundraiser is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the Mercato located at Building 50 in Traverse City. To donate items for the fundraiser or money directly to Steele, contact Kris Hains at (231) 421-1249 or e-mail krishains@aol.com.
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