🎨 Call to Artists 🎨 Join the Auction for Creston, helping to pay for her ALS medical costs.
Creston and me (and my family) surrounded by her artwork. Support Creston in her ALS medical costs.
Dear friends,
I am organizing a one-day online art auction to raise funds for someone incredibly dear to me—Creston Nelson, my Tallahassee mom, writer, and friend—who is currently living with ALS. Her family is raising money to support her care, and we’re coming together to help in the way we can: through art.
I’m inviting a small number of artists who know and love Creston—or who feel moved by her story—to donate a piece of artwork to be auctioned on Saturday, July 19, from 4–8 PM CST / 5–9 PM EST in a dedicated Facebook group.
🧡 What’s involved:
• Donate 1–5 pieces
• I’ll handle the photography, listing, and auction post format (or provide a template if you post your own)
• 100% of proceeds go directly to Creston’s family fundraiser
• You’ll ship or arrange delivery directly with the winning bidder. If you get the pieces to me before the auction, I’m happy to handle this part as well.
You can contribute:
• Original artworks (any medium)
• Mail-able ceramic pieces
• Prints
• Even a poem or words set beautifully—especially if they tie into healing, care, or Creston’s beautiful spirit
🌟 How you’ll benefit:
While donating art is a generous gift, this event is also an opportunity to gain meaningful exposure for your work:
• You’ll be featured on my blog, in my email newsletter, and across Instagram and Facebook leading up to and during the auction
• We’ll include direct links to your work or shop, and actively encourage attendees to follow you
• You’ll connect with a wider, engaged audience who are passionate about art and community
• You'll receive searchable exposure—your name and work will be connected with high-quality, story-driven content that boosts your SEO long after the auction ends
This is a one-time, 4-hour event aimed at raising both funds and love. I’d be honored to have your voice in this circle.
If you’re interested, please reach out to me here by June 8, and I’ll share all the details.
Thank you so much for considering. 💙
With gratitude,
Amber DeCicco
Creston was diagnosed in January 2025 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
ALS, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a degenerative neuromuscular disease affecting the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement. Over time, as the brain loses connection with muscles, persons with ALS experience muscle weakening, which robs them of their ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe.
The out-of-pocket monthly cost of paid caregivers for Creston is about $12,300. Family members provide the remaining caregiving.
The cost of a rental van to take Creston to the Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville for medical treatment is $150/day.
Insurance will not cover the cost of a fully electric adjustable bed, which is essential for her well-being. The cost of the bed and adjustable pressure air mattress recommended by Compassionate Care ALS is about $7,000.
Fundraising goal: $100,000.
Health Hope Live is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible.
Your tax-deductible gift to Help Hope Live will allow it to help lift the crushing financial burden that Creston and her family face as they navigate the many challenges of living with a catastrophic illness.
Help Hope Live pays providers/vendors directly or reimburses beneficiaries upon submission of paid invoices for medical expenses not covered by insurance, caregiver costs, and equipment and transportation needs. Health Hope Live deducts a 3% fee from donations that covers administrative costs. Third-party platforms that process donations charge an additional 2.65% fee per donation. That means that nearly 95 cents of every dollar raised is used to cover medical expenses.
https://helphopelive.org/campaign/25609/
About the Artist
Amber DeCicco is a watercolor and cyanotype artist inspired by light, water, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. Her work blends organic movement with thoughtful process, creating artwork designed to bring calm and connection into your home. Explore her original paintings, fine art prints, and creative classes inspired by coastal living.