When Fiction Becomes Reality
A Friend’s Medical Fundraiser & A Medical Dystopian Drama
Sometimes life interrupts the story you thought you were writing.
My friend Caleb and I started the Jack Frost Love Story Writing Challenge on a dare. We wanted to challenge ourselves to each write a story from the same prompt. 50,000 words in 365 days. Thanks to him, the JFLSWC community was born. My life was changed forever when almost 200 participants signed up. Suddenly my business began to grow and gain traction. We have been praising God for His provision and blessings on this challenge and we have been honored to join you on this journey.
Then life decided to kick Caleb in the gut with trip to the ER that turned into emergency surgery. I was privileged to get the call from my best friend (Caleb’s wife, who happens to be pregnant with their first baby.) We praise God that the surgery went well, and he is now recovering. Having been married just over a year, as well as having a baby on the way, Caleb and his wife are transitioning to full time ministry but were in the process of raising their financial support. In short, money was already tight and with the cost of emergency surgery, they need the community that they helped develop to support them.
The first time I met Caleb, I threatened him. Let me explain. He was dating my best friend, I had to make sure he knew what would happen if he hurt her heart. But soon, they introduced me to their community. I joined them at a new church where I cried through worship (my soul was so starved for authentic praise that I immediately broke down), I cried during the sermon (I hadn’t heard from God for months until I felt the Spirit move when the pastor spoke), Caleb invited me to his parent’s house for lunch (to which I cried because I’d been eating alone for months), then they invited me to their life group (and you guessed it, I cried there too). Why do I tell you this story? Because I want you to understand how desperate I was for community, and how his invitation for me to join his, changed my life.
So, I’m inviting you to be part of our story.
The Purpose & Goal
The goal is to raise $5,000 to help cover medical expenses and the financial burden that comes with navigating this season.
Your support will help with expenses such as:
- Emergency room visit
- Emergency surgery
- Treatment and recovery expenses
- Follow up medical bills
- Cost of living expenses while Caleb is on leave from work
Every donation, no matter the amount, helps lighten the weight of this chapter.
And because stories have always been an important part of my life, I wanted to find a meaningful way to thank the people.
As a thank-you for supporting this fundraiser, eligible supporters will receive special rewards connected to something incredibly important to me:
Exclusive First Edition of Fluorescent Frost (FF)
Depending on your level of support, you’ll be able to receive rewards such as:
- 📖 Copy of FF (Ebook, Paperback, Hardcover)
- 🎧 Dramatized Audiobook
- ✍️ Signed Copy of FF
- 💌 Personal Thank-You Letter
- 🌟 Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content
- 📚 Special Supporter Recognition
The Rewards
$5 — The Encourager
Every story needs someone cheering from the sidelines.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive:
- Fundraiser Updates
- Personalized Thank-You Email
- Early News & Exclusive Bonus Scenes About FF
$10 — The Early Reader
Become one of the first people to join me on this literary journey.
You’ll receive:
- Everything From The Encourager
- Exclusive Early Access to FF Ebook
$25 — The Story Supporter
Help me take another step toward the next chapter.
You’ll receive:
- Everything From The Early Reader
- Mini JFLSWC Merch Pack
- Magnets
- Stickers
- Art Postcards
- Keychain
- And MORE
$40 — The Launch Team
Become part of the team helping me turn the page.
You’ll receive:
- Everything From The Story Supporter
- Signed Paperback copy of FF
- Exclusive Bookmark & Digital Bonuses
- Thank You Recognition on the FF Web Page
$60 — The Signed Supporter
Receive a more personal piece of this journey.
You’ll receive:
- Everything From The Launch Team
- Dramatized Audiobook
$100 — Founding Supporter
For those who want to make an especially meaningful impact.
You’ll receive:
- Everything From The Signed Supporter
- Signed Hardcover copy of FF
- Personalized Thank You Letter
- Recognition in the Back of FF as a Founding Supporter, if desired
However You Can Support, Please Consider Lifting Caleb Up in Prayer
Maybe you can give $5.
Maybe you can give $50.
Maybe you can give more.
And maybe this simply isn’t the right season for you to donate.
That’s okay.
You can still make an enormous difference by sharing this fundraiser with someone else.
A comment could help more people see this campaign.
A kind message could make an incredibly difficult season feel a little less lonely.
You don’t have to contribute financially to be part of this story.
Where We Are Now
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Raised So Far: $470
Still Needed: $4,530 (Updated 8/27/26 @ 9:00am)
Every milestone will be celebrated because every dollar represents a person who chose to help.
Why Your Support Means So Much
This fundraiser is about more than medical bills.
It’s about what happens when life becomes difficult and a community chooses to say:
You don’t have to do this alone.
It’s about continuing to believe in the future, even when the present is difficult.
It’s about challenging the outrageous costs of medical treatment in our world and Fluorescent Frost’s.
Can’t Donate Financially Right Now?
You can still help by:
- Sharing this page with friends and family
- Posting the fundraiser on social media
- Sending it directly to someone who may want to support
- Joining the STO newsletter for updates
- Leaving an encouraging message for Caleb & his wife
Every share, every donation, and every word of encouragement matters.
Questions?
If you have questions about the fundraiser, rewards, book release, or how to support the campaign, please contact me at:
darbyrand97@gmail.com
You can also follow my journey and receive fundraiser updates through:
@storytellersodyssey
@darbylaighodassi
Reward fulfillment dates and book/audiobook release timelines will be communicated to supporters. Please note that donations and contributions are not be tax-deductible.