Most of you know Kaati from the nearly fifteen years that she worked at Terilli's on Lower Greenville. Or you might know her from The Wine Therapist and/or Dragonfly where she landed after Terilli's was engulfed in and destroyed by flames early last year.
When someone that we all know and are used to seeing at our favorite bar or restaurant gets sick, a few things go through our minds: "How bad is it? Will they survive? How can I help?" But days turn into weeks and weeks into months and the normal hum of our lives begin to take over once more. Suddenly, those thoughts which were once so constant and at the forefront of our minds are drowned out by a thousand other ideas that entertain, inspire, worry, or scare us on a daily basis. And instead of letting those initial concerns carry us on to do something to help, we let them fall into the background, and we comfort ourselves with ideas like: "Someone else is helping," "Insurance is paying," "There must have been savings," or "She's so strong.... She can handle anything."
Unfortunately, those are things that we tell ourselves instead of the truth. The reality is much harder to bear. For those of us who have watched a love one succumb to cancer or any other incapacitating disease, we know that real life is often not as bright and shiny as the affirmations that help us to move on and feel okay when the world seems like a dark and scary place.
Because the truth, as much as I would like to tell you all differently, is that no one else is helping. Insurance doesn't cover rent or food or even half of the medical costs. The savings were gone months ago. And even the strongest will sometimes fall without a support system in place or a little help from their friends.
The truth is that Kaati is sick. Kaati is sicker than any of us hope to become throughout our entire lives, and she doesn't have enough money to pay her rent, bills or feed herself. Her cancer is too far advanced for her to be able to work full-time and be treated simultaneously. And she has no options left.
That, my dearest friends & Facebook acquaintances, is the truth of what has happened to Kaati Brehm....
ONLY NOW, because of all of you, the story has changed. Just like that, we have helped Kaati pay for rent, bills, and chemotherapy for the last month. Plus, the outpouring of support that you have shown has helped us to gain attention from multiple news sources and private benefactors. We knew that some of you would give money and share kind words, but your endless amounts of love and generosity have been breathtaking at times. We are so proud to be members of the Dallas service industry, a group of people that defines the word family.
Please come out to support Kaati once more on June 20th at The Meridian Room. For a $10 cover, there will be drink specials, door prizes, a silent auction, and information on how to join The Servers Trust (if you have been a full-time server within the last year and come to the benefit, we will automatically sign you up!). You have already done so much, so while Monday night is about Kaati, it is also about each and every one of you -- what you have given, how you have loved, and what amazing people you have all grown up to be. We are proud to know you and call each of you a friend.
And, of course, on Monday night, we are celebrating Kaati... for all that she is and still can be... for how much of herself she has sacrificed for this community of servers... for her quirks and oddities and evil laughter.... We are celebrating Kaati, and we are showing her the love that she needs to keep fighting the good fight. Please come and show your support! Love, thanks, and good health to you all....
from the Sisters Troute
xoxo
For more information, please contact Marie Troute @ marie.troute@gmail.com/469.733.7789 or contact Julia Troute on Facebook.
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