Donna's Campaign

The Rescheduled Road to San Siro 2025

I had plans to attend the San Siro shows originally scheduled for June 2024 — a once-in-a-lifetime gift to myself. But when the show was canceled and rescheduled for this year, it created a ripple effect.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to recover the costs from several non-refundable travel expenses, which meant I couldn’t carry over those funds toward making the trip again. As a result of the cancellation and the non-refundable costs I lost, I have created this campaign to gather funds so I can make the trip to San Siro this June/July 2025—and I’m asking for your help.

Several people have encouraged me to do this, especially those who know the time and heart I’ve poured into running Bruce Funds - a community not a charity - for 13 years. They've reminded me that there’s a community out there who’ve felt supported, uplifted, or simply cheered on because of what I’ve done over the years—and that some have even been waiting for a chance to return the favor. I’ve always found it easier to give than to ask, but this time, I’m reaching out.

I'm nearly there, and I’m hoping to crowdfund the final stretch of the journey through donations. It’s not easy for me, but I’m learning that receiving support can be part of my healing story, too. I volunteer my time quite willingly. It's a passion I haven't felt for anything else. Helping others to see a show has been a joy and an actual emotional high. Each person I help brings a microdose of dopamine to stave off deep-seeded grief and depression. I've realized recently that I need this ticket-giving mission of helping others as much as people feel a need to get to a show.

If I had saved just $1 a day for the past three years, I wouldn’t be facing a shortfall now. But that’s not always how life works. I’ve often heard criticisms about offering someone a “handout” or a free ticket—as if needing help is a moral failing. The same judgment could be applied to anyone who hasn’t been able to afford a ticket over the last 13 years: “Why didn’t you just save up?” But that’s a privileged question.

The truth is, life happens. Maybe they did save, and it just wasn’t enough. Or maybe they were hit by things beyond their control—rising living costs without matching income, medical bills, car or home repairs, family emergencies, or the financial strain of living alone. Any one of these can derail even the best intentions. Some may still ask, “Why didn’t you just plan better?” But sometimes, even with the best planning, it’s still not enough.

That’s been the case for me this year. I've given up many day to day comforts in order to get to San Siro this year. I've saved and put off costs for other things. I'm nearly there. I just did not anticipate my dog care while I am away would cost as much as it does this year.

I do appreciate you reading this, sending me any words of encouragement, prayers for prosperity, and donations if you are inclined.

When it comes to luck, yes, we do make our own.
I'm also a Jack(ie) of All Trades. I'll be all right.

Love & Gratitude,
Donna