Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,
My name is Steven Abbott, and I’m reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and an urgent plea. I’ve never in my life asked for help like this, but after much encouragement from friends, I’ve realized it’s time to reach out to our community. At just 39 years old, I’ve recently undergone a full laryngectomy due to a devastating cancer diagnosis. This life-altering surgery has not only impacted my ability to speak, but it has also put my beloved business, “What Is That,” on the brink of collapse.
For the past three years, “What Is That” has been my passion and my livelihood, right here in Ionia, Michigan. We sell liquidated merchandise from big box retail stores at incredibly low prices, offering amazing deals that our customers love. It’s more than just a store to me; it’s a place where I’ve built connections, provided affordable goods, and given back to the community that has supported me. I’m proud to serve not just Ionia, but also the surrounding communities who rely on us for great finds and unbeatable prices.
The past year has been incredibly challenging. On top of my cancer diagnosis and extensive surgery, I’ve faced a string of devastating setbacks. My store sat largely unattended for a year while I was sick, causing a significant loss in income. To make matters worse, a fire inside my shipping container destroyed a lot of valuable merchandise. It’s safe to say, luck hasn’t been on my side.
Overcoming Adversity and Rebuilding “What Is That”
The recovery from a full laryngectomy is incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. I’m learning to navigate a new way of life, including how to communicate, and it’s a long road ahead. This recovery, combined with the other unforeseen circumstances, has made it impossible for me to run my business effectively. My wonderful landlord has been incredibly lenient and understanding about my back rent, and honestly, if it wasn’t for his generosity, “What Is That” would have already shut down.
With essential operating costs, including rent and utilities, accumulating close to $3,500 a month, I’m currently running everything by myself. This is simply not sustainable, and I’m facing the heartbreaking reality that I won’t be able to do this much longer.
I’ve always been a fighter, and I’m determined to overcome these challenges. However, I can’t do it alone. The funds raised through this fundraiser will be directly used to:
Pay off outstanding back rent: This is crucial to keeping our doors open and showing my appreciation for my landlord’s incredible support.
Cover essential ongoing business operating costs: This includes our monthly rent and utilities, which are vital for “What Is That” to continue operating.
Hire much-needed help: With the funds, I can finally bring in assistance to manage the store. This will alleviate the immense pressure on me and allow me to focus on my recovery and the strategic aspects of rebuilding the business.
Invest in advertising and marketing: I need to let everyone know that “What Is That” is back open for business! This will help bring customers back from Ionia and the surrounding areas and get us back on our feet after being quiet for a year.
Provide a lifeline while I focus on my recovery: Your support will buy me time to get back on my feet without the added stress of losing my business, allowing me to focus on healing and adapting to my new circumstances.
Give me the opportunity to keep the store going: With your help, I can continue to offer the deals our customers love and give back to the Ionia and surrounding communities that mean so much to me.
Losing my voice was a profound loss, but losing “What Is That” would be another devastating blow that I’m desperately trying to avoid. Your generosity, no matter how small, can make a monumental difference in my life and help me keep my dream alive. And with the Lord’s great plan, I fully intend to give back ten times whatever I happen to receive.
Beyond saving my business, I have a personal hope for the future. Once “What Is That” is back on its feet and thriving, and our community is happy again, I plan to explore a really new and innovative surgical option: a larynx transplant. This incredibly complex procedure offers the possibility of regaining my voice, a dream I hold dear. While this is a long-term goal, any support received will also bring me closer to exploring this life-changing opportunity when the time is right.
Please consider donating and sharing my story with your networks. Every share and every dollar brings me closer to stability and allows me to focus on healing, rebuilding, and eventually, the hope of speaking again.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, compassion, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
With immense gratitude,
Steven Abbott
Ionia, Michigan