There are so many wonderful things about the freelance life, but one of the facets that isn’t so great is that there is often no safety net if something goes wrong.
When I became aware of entertainment publicist Christoph Buerger’s illness, I knew it could be any of our names that I was reading instead of his. Most of us are just as vulnerable if catastrophe strikes, especially if we don't have a spouse or partner's income to count on.
Christoph is an entertainment publicist. I don’t know him well, but he drops missives into my email occasionally about projects, and we’ve worked together on a few things.
A few months ago, Christoph developed a brain tumor that has left him paralyzed on the left side of his body. The doctors declared the tumor inoperable, but the hope is that radiation and chemotherapy can bring Christoph to remission.
His treatment will take some time and disability benefits won’t kick in for months, so Christoph’s cousin started a GoFundMe account to raise money to cover his living expenses while he undergoes treatment as the tumor has left him unable to work right now.
Imagine dealing with trying to get well and having to worry about your living expenses and keeping your roof over your head? The only thing Christoph, or anyone fighting such an illness, should have to concern themselves with is getting better. It’s too much stress to wonder if you get to stay in your house when you’re fighting for your life.
Christoph’s fund has already surpassed its initial goal of $15,000, but it’s not hard to imagine that he could use quite a lot more than that so he can concentrate on healing with the security of knowing he doesn’t have to worry about shelter and food.
Dec. 22: GoFundMe/Christoph
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