Gail Needs Your Help!
My wife, Gail Foster, is continuing her passion and working life, as a visual artist. She’s doing it with a positive perspective, grit, determination, and your kindness, generous spirit, love, and your amazing support!
One avenue of support is by buying Gail’s art through 32auctions. This is a great option because her work there is offered at a discounted price, making great art accessible for all. Click the link below to see current listings https://www.32auctions.com/my_auctions
In 2013, while Gail was doing what she loves most, she fell, suffering a spinal cord injury in all probability caused by an MS episode. After spending two months in hospitals and rehab then six weeks at Shepherd Spinal Center, Gail made significant progress through Shepherd’s aggressive rehabilitation program. However, Gail continues to suffer from painfully limited mobility, although she is constantly working to improve her situation.
Gail’s out-of-pocket medical expenses with the deductible are extremely high. Doctor’s appointments, therapy, rehabilitation fees, co-pays, deductibles, and travel expenses add up quickly. Gail’s continued to create, however, without continued medical care, adaptive art equipment, and rehabilitation therapies, it’s extremely difficult.
We are so very gracious and immensely grateful for all your care, kindness, and support.
Thank you,
Tom Swanston
Family, friends, and a social network are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund Gail’s uninsured medical expenses.
Gail has chosen to fund-raise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Updates (13)
July 22, 2024
Gail has been accepted into the Shepherd PT outpatient day program! Yea! Gai has her PT eval in early August, then her work begins. Its been a year's since she fractured her spine in 5 locations - went through a too long too sedentary time in a long term care facility, came home in March. She's still in a great deal of pain, but making incremental improvements in her chair transfers, her ability to get into and work in her studio... Give the girl a hand!
May 3, 2024
Gail has faced significant challenges over recent months, including spinal fractures, COVID-19 contraction, and adrenal issues due to past medical conditions. Despite setbacks, her determination and resilience have been remarkable. She now relies on a wheelchair and around-the-clock care from her husband and a health care worker. Her COVID-19 infection led to hearing and vision impairments, necessitating hearing aids and new glasses. Gail's steroid dependency from a past pituitary tumor leaves her vulnerable to adrenal crashes, requiring ongoing support from her caregiver. Despite her hardships, Gail remains active in her art, medical treatments, and therapy sessions. She aspires to showcase her artwork, travel for an artist's residency, teach art classes, and regain the ability to walk. Support for Gail's costly care and ongoing recovery efforts is greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone for your many acts of generosity and support.
February 19, 2024
After 4 months ~ 1 in strick bed rest, 1 in bed rest with brace, 1 with brace & PT, 1 w/out brace, Gail is now returning home to continue her recovery and rehab. Thanks to all who visited, wrote notes, sent flowers and called ~ all essential elements that kept her spirits up during a very difficult time.
December 30, 2023
Gail is passing 60 days of living in a long-term care facility - Pruitt Healthcare at 1000 Briarcliff Rd Atl. Ga. Finally getting a little physical therapy, but she is so deconditioned from strict bed rest that it's going to take at least 2 months to get back to where she was before she broke her back, again.
The new year is here! On to successful PT/OT sessions that get her home and back rolling around her studio!
December 1, 2023
OMG! Transported to Piedmont for her MRI, but she was denied entrance because , they"didn't know she wasn't ambulatory"!
Trying the whole effort again on Friday... Wish Gail well!
November 24, 2023
The past six months have been unusually difficult ~ Gail has been hospitalized five times for a week or more each time, enduring over-the-top spinal pain. In July, she was admitted with two fractured vertebrae; she had successful neurosurgery to stabilize T5, and then was discharged home.
In early October she was admitted again in significant pain ~ with three fractures at T6, T8, and T9. There was also ligament and soft tissue damage in the area which made her spine unstable. With stage 4 osteoporosis, any and all surgery was ruled out.
After 2 weeks Gail was discharged to a long-term care facility, for 4 – 6 weeks of complete bed rest. November 30th is her birthday and the 6-week mark, so she will be scheduled for an MRI to evaluate her improvement. If all goes well, and she has improved, Gail will start PT&OT.
PT&OT is the gateway to her long-term recovery. If she is released from long-term care to start outpatient PT&OT, that expense is, after 10 therapy visits, is completely out of pocket. We are so grateful for your assistance!
April 13, 2023
Gail's "Art from the Heart" auction on 32Auctions is a great way to engage in her fundraising efforts...and get art out of your support! Click the link to see her current works listed and get you favorites before they're gone! https://www.32auctions.com/GailFoster
August 24, 2021
I was admitted into Emory Hospital on Tuesday, 8/17/21.
October 8, 2020
We wanted to update everyone on Gail's surgery. Her surgery went well. She is in the hospital recovering and we're excited to have her back home in a day or two to continue her recovery.
Thank you everyone for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers.
September 23, 2020
I want to update you on Gail’s journey.
Resiliency and a positive spirit have been Gail’s primary tools throughout her health journey. Recently, Gail’s had to use these tools and more as she has been diagnosed with a large incarcerated hiatal hernia, a complication from her previous injury ~ she’s lost 25% of her body weigh over the past four months!
Gail will be undergoing thoracic surgery October 7th with Dr. Saeid Khansarinia. (Dr. Khansarinia was the first surgeon to place a diaphragm pacing system and remains one of the leading surgeons in the country in placing diaphragm pacing systems to aid quadriplegic and other patients with diaphragm dysfunction.)
Her surgery requires preparation, a significant recovery time, then ongoing physical therapy. As Gail continues her art practice, she will require an assistant to aid with health visits, errands, and studio assistance.
May 4, 2020
I have moved into our new studios just a few miles down the road from my home. Tom and I have strategically renovated an old Masonic lodge: access everywhere has been the key concept in the process. No thresholds, no door knobs, ramps everywhere, bathrooms and break room are all places I can go without a thought. However, I am still in desperate need of a drafting table, a reticulating wall mounted easel and a studio lift. I’m including new images of the building, studio and art work. Looking forward to sharing in person with everyone once the Covid19 pandemic subsides.
December 2, 2019
I've come a long way since 2014. Thank you for your prayers and contributions. This year we are renovating the new StudioSwan Art Center in downtown Chatt Hills where I will have a beautiful new studio in January 2020. I am so grateful every day that I am able to stand and everyone's support contributes to those moments. I began obsessively trying to stand and continued therapy hoping to create marks one can not see while seated. I've learned an interesting dance of perspective.
Throughout the day on Tuesday, December 3 only, there is no credit card fee for ALL donations made at helphopelive.org in honor of Gail. The nonprofit covers this fee all day so that your donation goes further than ever.
November 8, 2019
Your good friend Gail Foster is doing well and is looking for your generous assistance.
I always believed that artwork heals. When I was a 7 years old girl going to a liberal church and introduced a theory to her minister. Young Gail's theory was how #Artheals because when she gave artwork to people it made them happy. Today, there are even studies that show how creativity brought peace of mind and even boosts the immune system. But its not limited to only creating. Viewing art creates similar results. Back in 2013 at Shephard Center rehabilitation center opened up room for me to create art while I recovered and not long after she was up and about recovering. The power of creation could heal and when the spinal cord injury happened, art helped me push through my most difficult moments in life and was the main reason she got better.
Gail is excited to be moving into her wonderful new studio location which is 7 miles from Serenbe located in downtown Chatthills GA.
StudioSwan is launching a new fundraising campaign series titled "Art Heals" in order to raise funds to equip Gail's studio accessible art materials that will
enable her to create more work and larger work with less pain. We are also raising funds for Gail's past and present medical costs (insurance, co-pays,
and physical therapy). Gail Foster, Tom Swanston and the StudioSwan team are excited to be moving into their new studio location soon. A former Masons' lodge located in
downtown Chattahoochee Hills, GA, it is only seven miles away from Serenbe. We plan to make this our long term home, and full of art, healing, and love.
Please consider contributing to one of the rewards tiers below through Help Hope Live to receive a special limited edition print or painting as my way to
thank you for your generosity. All contributions to her campaign on Help Hope Live are tax deductible.
Photo Galleries (29)
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Guestbook
September 17, 2024
Get better soon, Gail! I love you.
c
Christina Chiu
January 5, 2024
Dearest Gail,
I am sending this along with miraculous energy of love, joy, peace and wellness.
Your soul sister, Lynda
Lynda Evans
December 9, 2023
Best wishes for a full recovery from the Serenbe Community Care Network.
Helen Vantine
December 6, 2023
Gail, your spirit shines brightly and beautifully. Our best to you as you continue on your journey, and may you find strength at your side, every step of the way. Diana and Mark Tipton
Diana & Mark Tipton
December 1, 2023
Love and strength for you, Gail!
Elliwati Stricklin
December 1, 2023
Go Gail! Your spirit and determination are awesome! Love, Karen and John
Karen Schwartz
November 30, 2023
Gail, every time I glance or stop & soak in the depth & beauty of the paintings & drawings you created that reside with me, I feel complete. I admire your strength, courage & passion. Lots of love to you as you heal.
Jeannie Rochelle
Jeannie Rochelle
November 29, 2023
Love to Gail.
Karen Reed
November 28, 2023
Dear Gail, I love you.
Diane
Diane Walter
November 28, 2023
My loves surrounds you. You always inspire me to live fully.
Grace Bass
November 30, 2022
With love and support from your Peactopian family.
Nicole Ramos-Osmanski
February 18, 2022
Keep up your dreams Gail!
Pamela Bakal
February 18, 2022
❤️
Michelle Dziak
February 11, 2022
With love from Anne Beidler and Jon Neiditz
Anne Beidler
February 11, 2022
Great organization. Thank you.
Dan Reilly
February 10, 2022
Gail, you are in our hearts with great admiration for your extraordinary gifts as an artist and for your irrepressible and courageous spirit.
With love and gratitude
Pat
Patricia Mitchell
February 5, 2022
Gail, Sending you wishes for your continued healing. Jack and Alva
Alva McGovern
December 24, 2021
Gail--Thank you for being so beautiful and bringing so much light into the world. Much love to you.
Christina Chiu
December 1, 2021
Your amazing creative spirit is always shinning no matter how much pain I know you sometimes feel. Be well and flourish in 2022. No more doctors!
Mary
Mary Johnson
November 30, 2021
Sending love and strength to you Gail and Tom. Get well soon..
Elliwati Stricklin
August 27, 2021
Amy and I are sending our most healing and loving wishes for our most talented and loving artists!
Screen Lloyd LLC
August 26, 2021
Dearest Gail:
I am thinking of you every day and sending my love and strength to you. Please do not give up the fight. Keep the faith.
Love,
Diane
Diane Walter
August 26, 2021
We love you Gail, and we wish you the best.
Adrienne Anbinder
August 25, 2021
Big hugs to you, Gail!
Pinky Bass
August 25, 2021
Sending hugs to you and Tom!
anne beidler
August 25, 2021
We love you Gail!!
King Shaw
August 25, 2021
Gail, We are so worried about you! You are the most positive person I\'ve ever known - sending you lots of positive thoughts & well wishes!!! Get better so that we can come spend some time with you & Tom down in the Hill Country.
Leigh Rothman
December 5, 2020
Gail and Tom,
Your spirits and resilience are shining lights. Thank you for sharing through your art!
Sandra Prillaman
December 2, 2020
So happy to see your recovery and the happiness it brings you and everyone. Bless you both!
Love and light,
Logynn and Buck
Logynn B Ferrall
December 1, 2020
Sending this with prayers for healing and gratitude for the inspiration your art has provided for me and for so many.
Jill Lee Barber
November 28, 2020
I have followed Gail's beautiful art for many years. She has been an inspiration to many.
Gail Armstrong
November 14, 2020
Wishing you all the best Gail- keep making your art and sharing it with the world. Lots of love -Jen
jen cole
October 7, 2020
Love, Kitty & Doug
Catherine Cleaves
October 7, 2020
Your paintings are absolutely inspirations, Gail. Sending best wishes for a good procedure and great recovery.
Laurie Nash
October 7, 2020
your art gives us a glimpse of the other world around us
your spirit shows us just how strong and courageous one can be
you inspire us on so many levels
we love you
paul
Paul Reisler
October 7, 2020
God bles you Gail. The Light of God Surrounds You. I see you whole and back in the studio soon.
Richard Washington
May 17, 2020
Looking forward to seeing you both soon and more of your stunning inspirations. Thank you for bringing them into the world.
Doug & Kendra Wetzel
May 9, 2020
Gail is one of the most gifted artists I know. One of her pieces graces the cover of one of my CD's. Let's help Gail continue to fill the world with beauty.
paul reisler
May 6, 2020
Art brings joy
Mary Johnson
May 5, 2020
Gail, stay well. Love, Kitty
Catherine Cleaves
May 5, 2020
So glad to see Gail thriving so well and creating her splendid artwork.
Greg Brown
May 1, 2020
We love you guys!
Robert Kirsch
December 30, 2019
Gail,
Here is hoping 2020 is a wonderful year for you and Tom.
Fondly,
Stacy
STACY HALL
December 4, 2019
We love you Gail and know the angels are watching over you!!
Lee Foster and Greg Sudmeier
December 3, 2019
All my love to my lifelong friend, and hope this message finds her well and pursuing all of her dreams!
BONNIE CLAYTON
December 3, 2019
All our best for a healthy and joyous holiday and New Year
Jane Petrick
November 13, 2019
Loving you, Gail, and you, Tom. You bring inspiration and beauty to the world.
Knowing Wholeness for you, Gail, and continuing divine flow.
Judy
Judith A Blaise
May 15, 2019
So happy to see you doing this, Gail. You are one tough, determined, cookie! XOXO
Janice Barton
December 31, 2018
Dearest Gail ,
I am praying for your “Full Recovery “ !!
Linda Guydon
December 19, 2018
Sending prayers for wholeness.
Pamela Bakal Pamela Bakal
August 23, 2018
Go Gail!! We can't wait to have your beautiful artwork at The Umstead's Gallery soon.
Leah Goodnight
July 27, 2018
Glad to see you on your feet and see the excitement in your face!
Andrew Soulimiotis
July 27, 2018
Wishing you health and happiness - and safe and magical journeys ahead.
Adrienne Anbinder
July 25, 2018
One of Gail's paintings is on the cover of one of my CD's. A couple of her charcoals grace our living room and a print of one of her paintings glows in our bedroom. She is the most gifted of artists and our job is to provide a platform for her to spread the light of her artistic vision out into the world.
Paul Reisler
July 25, 2018
Good luck,Gail! Lots of healing energy coming your way!
Karen Windham
July 25, 2018
Gail and Tom, the gift is small, good will is all! Wishing for creativity to flourish with you both! Fond regards,
Lisa Tuttle
Lisa Tuttle
April 12, 2018
We're very excited for your continued recovery and happy to help you get your home into a "home". Please keep bringing beauty into the world like you guys do. Thank you!
Doug & Kendra Wetzel
April 11, 2018
Gail, so glad to see you and Tom moving forward with your renovation and to hear you’re doing even better than expected with your recent surgery.
Greg
Gregory Brown
March 30, 2018
Great news, all the best.
alvin
Alvin Sher
March 30, 2018
We are thinking of you, thanks so much for letting us know Wishing you a speedy recovery.
gloria reid
March 30, 2018
Get better soon, Gail!!
Jane Guthrie
March 29, 2018
So glad the surgery went so well.
Here’s to a speedy recovery!
Much love,
Edna and Steve
Edna and Steve Bacon
March 23, 2018
Sending prayers for a quick and healing recovery
Karen Windham
March 22, 2018
Sending you all sorts of positive energy! I have been meaning to do this, several times.. but post my illness.. my short term memory is shot. I wish it was more, but due to my out of pocket or over $300,000. that makes it difficult. The arts community was so, generous to me, I wanted to be a part of your recovery. United we must be, in humanity, the arts and as humans! Sending you and Tom my love and hopes for a speedy and successful surgery and recovery!
Alan
Alan Avery
March 21, 2018
Tom and Gail...........My prayers for remarkable success and recovery from your surgery.
much love,
Barbara and Eric
barbara brenner
March 21, 2018
Love ya Gail and hoping for a speedy recovery!!!
Leigh Rothman
March 19, 2018
Can't wait to meet you one day Gail! You're an inspiration!
Stephen and Donjenna Dirkes
March 17, 2018
Love you Gail!
Wendy Murray
March 14, 2018
Dear Gail and Tom,
Wishing you all kindnesses, graces, and blessings during this time.
Know hope!
Love, Jo Ann and Steve
Jo Ann Knapp
March 9, 2018
Being fortunate to have several pieces of yours & Tom\'s work, here in my home, in essence, you are with me every day. I think about your strength, heart & brilliance & want the world for you. Love & admiration, full circle.
Jeannie Rochelle
March 9, 2018
Thinking of you Gail! -Lauren Sepp (Sepp Leaf Products)
Lauren Sepp
March 9, 2018
Huge Blessings to you, dear Gail, and to you, dear Tom. Holding you both in our hearts here in Santa Fe.
Love, love,
Judy
Judith A Blaise
March 9, 2018
Wishing you a speedy recover
Susan Beallor -Snyder
March 9, 2018
“A scar is a wonderful thing, a coin the body has minted with an invisible motto - In God We Trust. Our body loves us. And even while we drift dreaming works at mending the damage that we do. Close your eyes knowing, that healing is a work of darkness, that darkness is a gown of healing. The vessel of our tremulous venture is lifted by tides we do not control. We have this fact in lieu of better proof of Le Bon Dieu.”
Sending healing thoughts to you Gail and Tom
Tracie Lofgren
January 5, 2018
We think the world of you, Gail ❤️ Your work is beautiful, as are you!!
Lane
April 21, 2016
Your work is so moving, feels like you have angels in your paintings...
You are such an encouragement in my own art. I'll continue to pray for your healing, and may God continue to light you path and give you peace...
Ginger Adelstone
March 31, 2016
Wishing you continued recovery. heakikg prayers to you and all the best. You are an inspiration.
Susan Beallor-Snyder
January 1, 2016
My Sweet Gail- I loved being around your light and kindness at Ragdale this fall. Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your healing. Love you, your fan
Arlene Malinowski & Dan Clark
August 25, 2015
Sending love and light to you both...
Alan and Michael
Alan Avery and Michael Newton
August 24, 2015
Praying for you both...Are these paintings for sale?
Tammy Brockman, Eufaula, Al
August 17, 2015
The beauty of your paintings inspire me and many others each time we gaze on them. Many blessings for health and peace.
Martha E.
Martha E
August 16, 2015
Dearest Gail and Tom,
We miss seeing you and are holding you in our hearts and prayers!
With love,
Anita and Sam
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Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Gail Foster
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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