[NABS-L] An Important Opportunity to Help our Friend Qualik Ford

[Lauren Chaya Altman, President of the National Association of Blind Students]

Hello NABS Family,

Happy Holidays if you celebrate. As some of you may know, Qualik Ford, a long time Federationist and friend to many has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and is currently undergoing chemo treatments. Below is a message from him and a link to help contribute to his donations page. If you are abel to contribute this holiday season, please do so. We are all sending lots of love to Q and wishing him a speedy remission. 
  Message from Qualik:

Hello, hello, 

As I sit here waiting for my second session and sixth overall dose of chemotherapy, I find myself reflecting on how deeply powerful and important it has been to have so many people reach out with their love, support, and empathy. Chemotherapy is, honestly, one of the top five worst things I’ve ever experienced—and I haven’t even gotten too far into it yet. I have immense respect for anyone who has undergone chemotherapy or continues to struggle with medical challenges.

Many of you have expressed a desire to support me during this journey, and I’ve been encouraged to create a gifting page so people can contribute financially if they wish. If you know me, you know this isn’t something I decided lightly—it’s really not in my nature. I’d much prefer to raise money for the National Federation of the Blind, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, or one of the many other organizations I’m involved with.

However, I do have substantial medical bills that I’ll be working on paying off, and any help would be greatly appreciated, respected, and recognized. Please know that I don’t want anyone to feel obligated to donate or pressured to do so. If you truly feel this is the way you’d like to help, thank you. If you’d prefer to support me by sending positive messages, love, and good vibes, that is equally important to me.

I know I haven’t responded to everyone yet, and I’m so, so sorry for that. Please know that I’ve read every message, and I’m working on responding to you all. Your support means the world to me, and it’s deeply felt and appreciated.

To give you a sense of where I stand financially, I currently have about $39,000 in medical bills. I’m not looking for anyone to help clear that entire amount. I have a wonderful job and the ability to set up a payment plan. I just want you all to have perspective on what you would be helping me with.

The gifting page will be set up through my Maryland able account. Donations made through this platform come with benefits: in Maryland, any donation can be written off on your taxes up to $2,500. Other states may have similar tax benefits. If you have any questions about this, feel free to reach out, and I’ll do my best to answer.

This has been a long message, so I’ll wrap it up here. Please know that I love and appreciate you all. I hope everyone has a happy holiday season and a wonderful 2025!

With love,
[qualik
https://connect.vestwell.com/gift/maryland-able/fIU9gKd9YEGjkDwhIgy9ZQ

With any questions please reach out to Qualik at  
+1 (301) 312-9813



Lauren Chaya Altman
President
National Association of Blind Students
Pronouns: she/her
Email: nabs.president at gmail.com
Phone: 973-930-7473