Giving Tuesday 2024

One day I will write Margaret's story.

Photograph by Maria Del Rio for Mother Mag.

Or, better yet, she will write it herself. I am waiting for the moment when the word "cured" can appear at the end of it. But I would settle for "healed" or even "less vulnerable." Chronic illness is so tricky.

The other day at the pharmacy, when I was picking up antibiotics for Margaret (CF puts her at high risk for recurring infections), the pharmacist said—"I hope your daughter feels better soon." I got into my car and burst into tears. What does "feel better soon" mean for someone with a chronic illness?

Every Giving Tuesday since Margaret was diagnosed, we ask you to do something huge and selfless:

We ask for your help finding a cure for Margaret.

I am a little embarrassed by how big this ask is. I mean, some of you don't even know me. But at the same time, my love for Margaret makes me do things that I might otherwise be shy about. I have never loved anyone as deeply and madly as her. The fear of that being taken away keeps me up at night.

Today we are fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They are the world's leader in searching for a cure for this chronic illness. They are our personal avenue for hope. Any purchase you make today in our shop will benefit them—we are donating 40% of our profits.

Thank you for being here with us.

All my heart,

Carissa xo

Founder

CARISSA POTTER

Carissa Potter founded People I’ve Loved in 2011. She is an artist and illustrator who has published three books: I Like You, I Love You, It's Okay to Feel Things Deeply, and How to Heal From Heartbreak (Or At Least Feel Less Broken).

Over the years, she has been lucky enough to work with nice people on collaborations through People I've Loved, including Facebook, Color Factory, The Body Shop, Pinterest, SF Center for the Book, Google, SFMOMA, YouTube, ICA Boston, Anthropologie, The ChanZuckerberg Initiative, Madewell, The Hammer Museum, McEvoy Foundation for the Arts, The Wall Street Journal, Nylon Magazine, BAMPFA, The Annenberg Space for Photography, SF Arts Commission, Kala Art Institute, Happinez Magazine, and possibly you.

She lives in Oakland, California, with her husband and daughter.