Cruising Forum Member in Distres-Judy Jensen & wingless Fred

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Lordy, how my heart goes out to Fred...

... Please, who can help with a good heart about it, please do so ...

For those who might ask, "Well, Ann, did you guys donate?" Yes, anonymously, because where I come from, it would be shameful to put one's name, like trying to grab credit for being a "good guy". We're all from different backgrounds, and I believe there is a legitimate need here.

Ann

Good on you, Ann!


The topic of anonymous donation is an interesting and complicated one.

Anonymous giving is traditionally valued in Abrahamic religions/cultures [primarily Judaism*, Christianity and Islam, but also the Baha'i Faith, Yezidi, Druze, Samaritan and Rastafari]

* The 12th-century Jewish rabbi/thinker, Moses Maimonides, developed a hierarchy [8 levels] of giving [‘tzedakah’], known as the “Maimonides Ladder”. [1]
According to him, one of the highest ways [but, only the 2ND highest*] of giving, is when the donor is anonymous, and the recipient is anonymous.
A modern-day example of this would be a community food pantry, in a public location, where you can place something in the pantry, or take what you need. The pantry is not monitored, so the donor and the recipient are not connected.

* According to Maimonides the highest level is that in which the gift makes self-sufficiency possible for the recipient, You can give a fish, but it’s better to give a fish pole.
Giving adequately, after being asked, ranks 6TH on the ladder.

For some, no matter how much they give people will say, ‘Is that all?’ That happened, in the 1980s, when Bruce Springsteen gave $10,000 to the United Steelworkers local in Pittsburgh, for a food program for the unemployed, and those having hard times’ and people said, ‘Well, he earns that in an hour [a few minutes?].’
The real point is he [like Ann] gave.

Those who do not remain “totally” anonymous, like Ann, can provide a role model for others, a leadership opportunity. What we hope is that, when a person makes a contribution, their neighbors and friends, their peers, decide to help out also. Often the donor’s name helps build credibility for a charity, or institution, or GoFundMe program.

I believe that the Karmic* religions [Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism] also value anonymous philanthropy.
* Karma: The implicit belief that the universe rewards good deeds and punishes wrongdoings. Sakam Karma is to work with selfish expectations, and your own interests in mind. Nishkam Karma, on the other hand is working with unselfish/selfless motives.

FWIW, an interesting article:
“The Generosity of Individuals Can Change the World” ~ by Sue Desmond-Hellmann, CEO of the Gates Foundation
“... The Gates Foundation is the biggest philanthropy in the world, but individual donors out-give us by more than 20-to-1 each year ...”
➥ https://time.com/4119125/thanksgiving-individuals/

[1] Maimonides’ Eight Levels of Charity ➥ https://www.chabad.org/library/artic...of-Charity.htm

[Chotu]

Ann’s post is spot on. Couldn’t agree more with it. This isn’t one of those forum topics to second guess. Not a good place for Monday morning quarterbacking or whatever they call it.

I can also field the anonymous versus recognized questions in Gord’s post. This is a little bit of paraphrasing. But here is the Buddhist take on that:


In Buddhism, the act of giving is called Dana. It considered a noble and virtuous practice. Whether one should seek recognition or remain anonymous in their charitable giving is a matter of personal choice and depends on the individual's intentions and circumstances.

There are benefits to both approaches. Remaining anonymous in one's charitable giving can help cultivate humility, reduce attachment to the act of giving, and prevent the arising of self-centeredness or pride. It allows for the purest form of giving, as the focus is solely on benefiting others without seeking personal recognition or gain.

Reducing attachment is the central core of attempting to reach enlightenment.

On the other hand, there may be situations where being recognized for charitable giving can inspire others to engage in acts of generosity. By publicly acknowledging your donations or philanthropic efforts, it can encourage others to follow suit and contribute to the welfare of society. In such cases, the intention should still be rooted in compassion and the desire to inspire positive actions, rather than seeking personal fame or ego-boosting.

The decision to seek recognition or remain anonymous should be guided by one's intentions and the context in which the act of giving takes place. Regardless of whether one chooses to be recognized or remain anonymous, it is important to cultivate a pure heart and selflessness in the act of giving, with the primary motivation being the well-being and benefit of others.

And I think you will find it breaks down to personality type. Many people prefer to give anonymously. People also may prefer to give at the end. When the medical bills are tallied up. When we see what he is ultimately facing. A large medical bill may prompt people to give more. If they looked at a one day stay in the hospital they would give a certain amount. If they looked at a week or multiple weeks they would probably give a lot more actually. So it’s beneficial for people to be waiting a little bit. The bills won’t be going anywhere unfortunately

[GordMay]

BTW: As of 700AM ET, they’ve raised $47,256 USD, from 163 donations, since May 15, of their $150,000 goal.

➥ https://www.gofundme.com/f/hxc839-ju...supporters-v5b

[JPA Cate]

Here's a copy of Fred's last update that I have seen:

I am going to close this chapter.

Judy is living, but we don't expect her to last long.

Her status changes little day to day, she fights death but it is a battle she will surely lose.

I sit with her each day and kiss her...and we wait.

I will update you when she passes.

Fred


Fred, if you see this, please update us here, too, in this thread.

[Mike OReilly]

It’s just so sad. So sorry Fred.

[JPA Cate]

Thanks for saying it Mike. Yes, so d--n sad.

Sorry, Fred.

Ann & Jim

[hpeer]

I have been following, yes very sad.
I thank Fred for sharing this heart wrenching exoerience.

[IslandHopper]

My heartfelt sympathy to you Fred, also to your family and friends at this sad time. R.I.P. Judy

[Chotu]

Ah jeez. I was really hoping for the turn around here. So sorry, Fred. So unexpected.
I’m wishing you strength.

[JoeRobertJr]

My condolences, Fred. Memory eternal.

[s/v Jedi]

My condolences Fred, R.I.P. Judy.

[JPA Cate]

Rest in peace, Judy.

Be often with friends, Fred.

Ann & Jim

[NaClyDog]

This is heart breaking.


Fred, I don't know you but I'm so so sorry for your loss.

[Maine Sail]

My little incident (hemorrhagic stroke) easily exceeded 7 figures. We burned through over 300K in savings just covering what was not covered by Blue Cross. I know how it feels to be fine one minute and the next having your savings raped..so tragic what happened to Judy life is way more fragile than any of us like to admit..

[djousset]

I have been following as things unfold and am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You always offered kind and helpful advice and I will hold you both in my heart. RIP Judy.