The portfolio I created not only brought the Axelrod family into my life but also set the stage for a larger community effort to advocate for my freedom. As Carol Axelrod began advocating to find a lawyer willing to take on my case, she worked with my sister Julie to launch a fundraising campaign. Although we hoped to find a pro bono lawyer, we understood that costs would still be involved. Together, Carol and Julie strategized and planned to raise the necessary funds.
Julie reached out to our family friends, Nick and Nancy. Nancy, an award-winning chef, agreed to collaborate with Julie on organizing a fundraising event. Together, they identified a venue, arranged for a band, coordinated a raffle, and Nancy oversaw her team of caterers who prepared a multi-course meal for all attendees. They also worked tirelessly to promote the event, ultimately bringing together more than 100 people who were willing to contribute. By the end of the evening, the event had raised over $15,000, which went directly toward the legal fund supporting efforts to bring relief to my imprisonment.
Nick and Nancy didn’t have to give their time or resources to help with my defense fund. None of the people who attended the event had any obligation to support me. Many likely didn’t even know me personally. Yet their generosity—both in time and money—underscored the power of community and the belief in a shared mission. Their contributions amplified the coordinated efforts that Carol, Julie, Nancy, Nick, and others were making on my behalf.
I have countless reasons for gratitude. This experience taught me that planting seeds today can lead to opportunities in the weeks, months, and years ahead. The relationships we nurture, the actions we take, and the effort we invest can inspire others to support us in meaningful ways, even when the outcome isn’t immediately visible.
Self-Directed Learning Question:
- “How can you build and nurture relationships today that may lead to unexpected opportunities in the future?”
