If you have read my blog for years, you’ll know that I love the Donna Flora brand in SL. Squinternet Larnia is very sick in real life, so when the community (her friends, fellow designers, residents) found out, we decided to do something to help. The Love Donna Fundraiser will raise money to help with her medical expenses. Even if you don’t know Squinternet personally, if you have enjoyed reading my blog and seeing her wonderful creations featured, please take a moment to read about the event.
In the mean time, you can shop at Donna Flora, buy some gorgeous jewelry pieces for yourself, or a friend!
For years, Squinternet Larnia has been an active and well-loved member of the Second Life community. There were items from her store, Donna Flora, at almost every charity fundraiser. When she was asked, she said yes.
December 2011, Squinternet learned she had breast cancer and that it had already metastisized to her bones. Her prognosis was bleak and she was not expected to see the summer. Well, this is the second summer since her diagnosis. She pursued alternative therapies that have helped and given her a hopeful and joyful extra year. However, the cancer has regrouped and her strength is flagging. At the moment she needs home nursing care and is hoping to travel to a cancer treatment center in northern Italy for another last-chance attempt to prove the doctors wrong. You can read more about her life, her work and her struggle with cancer in an article from AVENUE I wrote last December.
Since she has not been strong enough to release recently, her income from SL has dropped to just enough to maintain her sim. In characteristic Second Life fashion, the community that makes SL what it is has come together to throw a fundraiser for her to help defray her expenses. While Italy has national health insurance, she must finance any alternative therapies and much of her home nursing care.
It will begin on July 25th and run through August 11th.
Visit the LoveDonnaFlora blog to read more about the event, how to sign up as a designer, blogger, or just leave a message for Squinternet!
I was just thinking about her and her shop a couple days ago, thinking I hadn’t seen anything come out lately. Unfortunately now I know why. My cousin has the same thing & I’m caring for her so I know how it is. Sending prayers her way to mind, body, and spirit. <3
Squinternet is in my thoughts, she is a very talented creator. I’ll definitely be checking this out, thanks for a great blog, Gogo ♥
I’m gonna spread the word and I’ll try to help in any possible way 🙁
If there is a small chance she can read this:
Noi non ci siamo mai incontrate, ho preso il tuo posto al Miss Fashion quest’anno… ho vinto. Ho fatto battute stupide su come mi aveva portato fortuna farti da rimpiazzo. Adesso vorrei che quella fortuna venisse da te e ti restasse vicina più a lungo possibile. Sei entrata nella vita di tanti con le tue creazioni e magari nemmeno te ne accorgi ma hai fatto la differenza. Una tua creazione mi ha accompagnata in un’occasione molto speciale. Ed è passato del tempo, e le cose non sono andate come speravo ma quei capelli…. sono sempre lì… ad aspettare un’altra occasione. Come quella che spero avrai tu. In bocca al lupo!
Hey!
If you want to send a message to her, the ‘designated’ spot is http://lovedonnaflora.wordpress.com/messages-for-squinternet/ so I’d recommend cross posting it there!
Has someone verified her illness irl? I have been in SL for ages and sadly with all the scams from people saying they were ill and they really weren’t…it has left me skeptical.
This is not a hate comment ^. I just want to know all the facts as I’m sure other readers are curious too.
Yes, all of the papers were verified already.
I don’t think she needs to prove you anything, Jake. Or satisfy your “curiosity”. If you are skeptical just don’t help.
Hi,
Thanks for the post, Gogo! I strongly encourage people to write notes on the message page at the Love Donna Flora website linked in the post. They are encouraging her and lifting her spirits.
For folks who, like Jake, have concerns, there is a page called Transparency where screen caps of her medical records are available along with other information designed to reassure people that every care is being taken.