Fundraiser for clinic passes goal

An online fundraising campaign established after vandalism at a Kalispell medical clinic has more than doubled its goal.

The crowdfunding website www.indiegogo.com set a goal of $25,000 for the Montana Human Rights Network to help Susan Cahill and All Families Healthcare after the downtown Kalispell clinic was devastated by a vandalism attack March 4.

That goal was far surpassed; by late afternoon Monday, contributions totaled more than $53,000.

“I am so very humbled by the outpouring of support that I have received to help me get through this time. I need it, and I am grateful,” Cahill posted Monday on the website. 

Cahill has not decided whether she will reopen her medical practice. She said last week that “everything was destroyed” inside the First Avenue East home that housed her full family practice, which also performs abortions.

She plans to take the summer off while she ponders the clinic’s future.

The fundraising campaign was launched by Love Lives Here, a Flathead Valley organization affiliated with the Montana Human Rights Network.

According to the website, any money raised above $25,000 “may be used for purposes other than directly supporting All Families Healthcare.” That includes other abortion providers in Montana as well as “supporting the reproductive justice movement statewide.”

The initial aim of the online campaign was to raise money for cleaning up damage at Cahill’s clinic, paying staffers and recouping some of the loss of damaged medical equipment.

Online:

www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-vandalized-clinic-in-mt-stand-with-susan-cahill-all-families-healthcare