Sometimes life hits people with real shit. I don't know how else to say it. This weekend isn't about promoting bags, or even blasting Berlin right now because I got a phone call that shook me to the core less than a week ago.
Many of you will remember Jeremiah from my time in Thailand, with Jet Set Zero towards the end of 2010. Close to my heart, I shared everything from food, to Thailand, to a bed with this young man. The trailer of our season is posted below to jog some memories. He's the one laying on the tiger.
Season 8 - Thailand (Teaser) from Jet Set Zero on Vimeo.
Jeremiah called me on Saturday night, while I was leaving Rudi's memorial BBQ in CT, to notify me that his house had burned to the ground earlier that afternoon, destroying everything his family had and killing his two dogs.
Sadly, I can say I know about this first hand as the same thing happened to me but as a very young child. I couldn't imagine it as an adult.
Jeremiah has tough pride. He tried to go without eating for days in Thailand, while I did everything but shove food down his throat, because of lack of money. The kid hates asking for help....so I'm going to for him.
I waited to post this today because Friday tends to be the universal pay day. If you can PLEASE Pay Pal/Donate anything over to him and his family it'd be greatly appreciated. ANYTHING! I'm working on getting an address where things like clothes can be sent. I'll keep you all posted.
I need you all to send this information far and wide!
The Pay Pal email address that will get right to them is: ortnerjeremiah@yahoo.com
Send whatever amount you can there as soon as possible!
Thank you all so much. Note, this will be the story/blog I push the most this weekend because of the urgency. Below is a posted local newspaper article, with photos of the damage. This family is going through it right now. Please help!
PS. Talking to Jeremiah, after the emotion of losing his dogs, the second thing he brings up is his passport. One of the reasons I love this kid. Travelers understand that. Love you Jeremiah!
