Welcome & Introduction
Our October blog features a mother looking for a kidney donor, a reflection from Katherine on the empty nest, an invitation to the Arcata Chamber October mixer, and many DEI discussions and opportunities including a local pride event!
What’s going on with S4SB?
Kidney Donor Needed!
Anna, a young mother and beloved member of Temple Beth El in Eureka, has advanced kidney disease and will need a kidney transplant soon. She inherited a genetic condition called Alport Syndrome. For many years her health was stable, but recently her kidney function has been declining. Anna still feels well and remains busy with work and her five-year-old son, but the time for a transplant is approaching fast. It's crucial that she finds a generous person willing to donate a kidney while she is still in good enough health to benefit from the transplant, Anna is currently on the national deceased donor waiting list, but the average wait time is five years and that could be too late for a successful transplant for her. Without a transplant, Anna would be dependent on dialysis, which would greatly impact her quality of life. The average life expectancy on dialysis is five to ten years, though some patients live longer. In comparison, if Anna receives a kidney from a living donor, she could look forward to another twenty years, and by that time artificial kidneys should be available. Anna anticipates being accepted as a transplant candidate at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, a location that will allow her to be close to family as she recovers. Ideally, her donor would live in the Portland area or have contacts there. Though most of us are born with two kidneys, we need only one healthy kidney to live a normal life. You or someone you know could save Anna’s life by choosing to be a living donor. Kidneys from living donors can last almost twice as long as kidneys from deceased donors. A kidney transplant or extraction is a major surgery for both Anna and her donor, so it does have risks, but these procedures are generally safe and successful. Thankfully, Anna’s insurance will cover all the medical expenses for her and her donor. To donate a kidney directly to Anna, the donor must have O-type blood (either + or –). Someone with another blood type can donate through a “paired exchange” in which the donor gives a kidney to another person in need, and that person’s friend or relative then donates to Anna. You can learn more here: https://www.ohsu.edu/transplant/living-kidney-donation Please circulate this appeal to your family and friends, especially those in the Portland area. Help this wonderful young woman live to raise her child. Address any questions to Rabbi Naomi Steinberg at Temple Beth El in Eureka, CA. Phone: (707) 444-2846 Email bethel@reninet.com.
The Empty Nest
Katherine Almy
Well, I’m now officially an empty nester. Early last month, my husband and I took our son to Amherst College in Massachusetts. We stayed in the area for a few days, then we came home without Slate. Snif, snif. Of course, we miss him a bunch, but we’re also really excited for him.
You’re invited!
Join the Solutions Team for the Arcata Chamber October Mixer on October 7th, 5:30-7:00 pm over Zoom. There will be raffle prizes, we’ll do some New York Times mini-crosswords together, and be treated to a tiny concert performed by Pan Dulce Steel Orchestra. To register go to https://www.arcatachamber.com/events, see you there!
DEI Discussions & Community Opportunities
What’s going on with Haitian Refugees?
According to NPR, U.S. border agents are allowing some to stay in the country, with orders to report to immigration offices. Others are being sent back to Haiti, or they’re heading back over the border to Mexico. In Mexico, there are between 5000-6,000 migrants in the makeshift camp, but the media are not allowed to confirm. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security isn’t explaining how they are making the determination. For more from NPR, read here. In addition, an update from September 23rd revealed that the authorities have declined to say how many have been released in the U.S. in recent days, with estimates from 8,600-14,000 people. Read the update here.
Tip for the workplace
As small businesses and employees of small businesses, it is important to allow everyone to feel included. As an article from Culture Amp states, “creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace isn’t easy to get right, but you shouldn’t let perfection be the enemy of good. One step organizations are taking to promote inclusivity is enabling conversations about people’s gender pronouns”. To learn why this is important, how to ask someone’s pronouns, and how companies can promote inclusion read the full article here.
Local Event for Pride!
Redwood Pride occurs on the 2nd Saturday of October. There are many locations around Humboldt County for this four-part event.:
The Community Festival is at the Jefferson Community Center from 10 am to 3 pm (all-ages event). Live music, drag performances by electric youth, photo booth, tie-dye booth, BBQ, and more!
The Redwood Pride Parade will take place at 4 pm on 2nd Street in Downtown Eureka. The parade will begin at 2nd and J and end at 2nd and C. Wheelchair accessible.
The Street Fair occurs after the parade, at the Historic Eagle House on 2nd and C. There will be an all-ages Street Fair from 5 pm to 7 pm with more music, performances, and a pride-themed “Mocktail” bar.
After this, Pride Night starts at 7 pm and the event will move inside the Eagle House for ages 21 and over. This will include Burlesque, DJs, dancing, and a drag show featuring queens from Sacramento.
Come to one or all! Here is the link to the event, and for more information on Redwood Pride click here.
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