Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Lesbian Athlete Raises $100K Through GoFundMe Campaign After Her Parents Disowned Her

Emily Scheck is a 19-year-old college cross-country runner for Canisius College in Buffalo, New York.

When her parents found out she was dating a woman, however, they gave her an ultimatum: either leave school to receive sexual orientation therapy or be removed from their lives.


While this dealt a devastating blow to Scheck, it came with a silver lining: her teammates started a GoFundMe to help her land on her feet after her parents cut her off financially. People all over the world contributed to let her know there is nothing wrong with who she is.

The GoFundMe campaign was launched by Scheck's teammate Grace Hausladen with the modest goal of raising $5,000. Donations have now closed with over $100,000 in contributions, all given to "Let [Emily] be herself."


GoFundMe

In the GoFundMe description, Hausladen wrote:

"She was kicked out of her home for being herself. No one deserves to have their home and siblings taken away from them for being their true selves. Though she has made a new home in Buffalo through her teammates and her girlfriend, Justyna, we can no longer stand by and do nothing."

Faced with an unbelievable wave of support, Scheck expressed her gratitude by saying:

"Thank you to everyone who showed their love and support in this difficult time. The positive outreach has been unbelievable. I never expected this amount of support."


Though Scheck decided to stop accepting donations, she encourages anyone touched by her story to continue donating to causes that support LGBTQ youth:

"What has been given is more than anyone could have expected. Donating to LGBT organizations is a great way to continue to show support and can help many other people who may be struggling in similar situations."

Scheck's parents reportedly confronted her after seeing pictures of her together with her girlfriend, Justyna, on social media.

In a text message, her mother wrote:

"Well, I am done with you. As of right now, declare yourself independent. You are on your own. Please don't contact us or your siblings."

As donations began to roll in on the GoFundMe page, the NCAA nearly banned Scheck from running for her team if she did not immediately return the $58,000 collected. However, according to The Washington Post, the college athletic organization later decided to make an exception, acknowledging that Scheck was using the money to recover from a "a significant life event:"

"Emily Scheck can retain her eligibility and continue to receive GoFundMe donations that assist her with living and educational expenses. NCAA staff worked with Canisius College to provide guidance that the fundraiser can continue with school monitoring and will continue to assist as needed. NCAA rules and waiver precedent allow a school to assist a student-athlete with a fundraiser after a significant life event occurs."


Support for Scheck on social media has been overwhelming:








Though Scheck surely misses her family, at least she now knows her chosen family of friends have her back through thick and thin. They do love her unconditionally and will go the distance to make sure she's ok.

H/T - Newsweek, GoFundMe, Pink News

More from Trending

Jake Tapper; Markwayne Mullin
CNN

Jake Tapper Expertly Rips MAGA Rep's Defense Of Pete Hegseth's 'Drinking Problem'

CNN reporter Jake Tapper expertly shut down GOP Oklahoma Representative Markwayne Mullin's defense of Pete Hegseth's qualifications as a potential nominee for Secretary of Defense.

Hegseth, a former Fox and Friends weekend co-host, was selected by President-elect Donald Trump to join his cabinet as U.S. Secretary of Defense despite his lack of experience in global defense.

Keep ReadingShow less
2025 calendar with tweet overlayed reading: "We are so doomed"
Pakin Songmor/GettyImages; @Haywhyforyou/X

People Just Noticed An Ominous Detail About The 2025 Calendar—And Oh Dear

Christmas is already around the corner. Can you believe it?

This time each year, many of us are SMH-ing over the fact that another year has sped by as the holidays following Halloween hit us in rapid succession.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anok Yai; Alex Consani
Dave Benett/Getty Images; Dave Benett/Getty Images

Supermodel Sparks Debate With Reaction To Losing 'Model Of The Year' Award To Trans Model

Model Anok Yai sparked quite the debate on social media after she said she was "exhausted" and proceeded to call out the British Fashion Council after they awarded the 2024 Model of the Year award to trans model Alex Consani.

Consani, the first out trans model to ever win Model of the Year, expressed her excitement on Instagram, sharing celebratory photos and videos accompanied by the captions:

Keep ReadingShow less
Jonathan Bennett; Jonathan Bennett as Aaron Samuels in 'Mean Girls'
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images; Paramount Pictures

Jonathan Bennett Reveals He Wasn't First Choice For 'Mean Girls' Role With Wild Story

Most of us have applied for at least one dream job, only for it to be offered to someone else. But sometimes the story doesn't end with the job offer; in fact, we might get another chance at that job or even something better.

And according to Veronica Mars actor Jonathan Bennett, this concept can be applied to acting gigs, as well.

Keep ReadingShow less

People Share Things Their Partner Told Them That Changed The Way They Saw Them

Actions may speak louder than words, but that is not to say that words do not carry power.

In a single moment, how we feel about someone can totally change because of something surprising they have said.

Keep ReadingShow less