I walk into Whole Foods because y'all know that's my store and even if I don't buy anything I have to check out the goods. As I walk through the first aisle I can't get this lady out of my mind. All I could think of was that this woman was doing what she needed to do to take care of her family. I'm a Momma and I would humble myself in a minute to provide my girls with what they need. I wondered what it was like the first time she went out to ask for help. I would have been terrified, probably would feel guilty and embarrassed. But if your babies have to eat, you do what you have to. I make it half way through the first aisle when I come accross one of my favorite barbecue sauces 'Bone Suckin Sauce'. Hmmm...$4.50...I pay around this price all the time and although I'm not thrilled about it, I do. So I decide I can at least give this fellow Momma $5, hell I blow that on slathering barbecue sauce on my chicken! So after I take a quick look around Whole Foods, I run across the street to CVS because the train ride down to Baltimore gave me motion sicknesses; I don't want that experience on the ride back and I get some money. I head out and begin looking for my fellow Momma! I find her about a block away and I give her the money. I find out her baby girl's name is Adrianne and that she is 7 years old. I let her know that I will say a prayer that Adrianne will get better and I wish her well.
When I get back to my room, I log onto the computer because...I'm a New Yorker and I want to see if I got duped or if this story is real. So I get out the handwritten card and log on to the site. I read the snippet about Adrianne's story and realize while looking at the pictures that the little girl in the stroller was Adrianne. I thought it was her little sister, but it was Adrianne! I would have never thought that that little girl was 7, but I guess when you are fighting for your life it takes its' toll on your body. I was happy that I had done my teeny tiny part to help them out. I was upset with myself that I didn't say some encouraging words to her. I share the link below, not because I'm endorsing giving money to her, but so that you can pray for this family. Pray that this little girl will get better, that the drugs used to make her better don't destroy her body, that her Momma (Elyse) has the strength and determination to continue to do what's needed to care for her girls. Pray because nothing is stopping this from being you or me.
So, if I found out this was all a hoax would I feel like a dummy? Nope, I wouldn't be mad, I wouldn't change my mind if confronted with the same situation. As I sit here I think about my pastors sermon a few weeks ago talking about Lazareth. I can't help everyone who needs financial assistance, heck, even Bill Gates can't. But I can do my part when I see someone in need of help outside my door.
I hope I get to see Elyse again before I leave Baltimore. To see if today is a good day. Hopefully I can give her spirit the boost it needs to continue to do what Momma's and Daddy's do for their babies.
www.wix.com/elysejohnson/adriannesthread
What would you do if you weren't afraid? (Take care of your babies?)
Smooches,
Keli
Thanks for sharing this. I can relate to the skepticism of giving donations on the street and applaud you for somehow seeing past that. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteStrange..same thing happened to me today, but in front of a Trader Joes' in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was an extremely cold day to have a sick child out in the cold asking for money.
ReplyDeleteNot to be so skeptical, but this smells like a
scam to me.
The lady also handed me a card with the adriannes thread info on it.
Wow! As I read this and await Christmas day, I ponder, what would I do? I'm know exactly what my heart wants me to do. But for real, I'm a New Yorker! A skeptic, don't look a stranger in the eye New Yorker. What would I do?
ReplyDeleteWow, I got the same thing card just the other day in Center City Philadelphia and I kept thinking, what are you doing outside with your sick child in this weather. I had just lost both my grandparents that same week (they each died a day a part from each other) and felt I should do something even though I had no cash on me (its philly, and also the 21st, who really keeps cash on themselves these days) and so she gave me a similar card described by the author of this blog. However I said I would donate and really would like to help and also felt that if I was getting scammed, then so be it, who am I to judge, that is for our higher power to decide.
ReplyDeletecomments like these speaks to the idiocy of most. Adrianne survives still to this day. We have 9 children now. No other child has survived the cancer she had. Our way of life (walking constantly & being outside) is arguably why.
DeleteI ran into the exact situation and got the same handwritten card in Jan 2010 outside Whole Foods in Cupertino California. I never have any cash on me either so I made a payment through PayPal. Reading this thread I'd say, for folks without money, they get around...
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were approached by this same woman yesterday in Georgetown, DC. We had no cash and she also provided us with the website. I googled the address and that is how I found this blog post.
ReplyDeleteIt appears she also has a facebook page too.
I saw her today outside Trader Joes in Falls Church, VA. She gave me the card with the website. Same story and situation as other posters.
ReplyDeleteSame thing happened to me today in Arlington VA. I was looking for information about the mother. Is her name Elyse Johnson? and other info. I just found this blog.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm too cynical but questions need to be answered:
ReplyDelete* Why does she travel all over the country?
* Who is she? Why doesn't she have healthcare? There's good answers to them but I'd like to know.
* Where's the husband?
* What did she do for a living before having kids?
Either way you feel sorry for the kids
Our daughter thee only survivor of this cancer. Why can't we roam across this country? I'm the Father of all 9. Stop pretending this world is legitimate.
DeleteShe was pushing this double stroller tonight in Old Town Alexandria VA. Appears to be some sort of hippy activist. Seasoned at her delivery
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSame story...same card...different Whole Foods here in Charlottesville, VA.
ReplyDeleteAnd again in Barracks Road in Charlottesville, VA on 7/20. I had the same thoughts - I would humble myself for my babies too. It really sounds like they've had a hard road. I'd like to trust that it's legitimate. She now has another little baby, maybe 5 months old. Pray for this family, no matter what the actual circumstances. They clearly need God's grace. I'm trying to find resources that would help them in their situation and email suggestions to her.
ReplyDeleteDowntown mall today (8/12). If I see her again, I will try to get some more information about the travelling.
ReplyDeleteIn front of staples in Charlottesville,va.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that there is another anonymous person/persons aware of her in Charlottesville. Her Facebook account is Elyse Johnson (braids with Adrianne wearing brown hat) on her back in a photo. She is very savvy and is most likely following this blog to see what people know about her. The most disturbing to me is on her Facebook page she likes the book, "The Coming Insurrection", which is a extreme opinion of anarchy that will insue violence on the innocent. She will most like likely delete the book on her FB and possibly her FB alltogether. People are on to her. She is a scammer that does have children and loves them but they have been living on the "travel" for 20 years, getting money from nice people. Instead of settling somwhere they move on and on and on.
ReplyDeleteI too have met her and scammer is not the correct word to describe her. She is guarded, but I think that she would explain that this is the way that they choose to live their lives. It would be amazing to see their family settle somewhere for their children to enjoy a feeling of 'home' and to meet loving people that they could trust and know that even though the world is crazy, they are not alone and there are other good people out there. They love thier children immensely but would show them more if they would try to extend their efforts in others ways so that their children can have more expanded opprtunities. Their different views on life explain why they wouldn't want to "conform" to the ways "we" live, but through not judging the way they live, we can show them that not all people are against them. They are deeply wounded and only feel that they have each other. I hope that they one day realize that there is more out there and that there is love, peace and joy that they can have for free, as well as their children.
ReplyDeleteGreatest Comment about us ever.
DeleteLove INC in Cville is interested in helping this march-to-a-different-drummer family. The little girl did have a brain tumor, and the radiation did the eye nerve damage. This lady likes to fly below the social services radar, but the child is covered under medicaid/SSI. We think the family needs some assistance, but not hand-outs. They came from this area several years ago before they went to Boston for tx. Please contact me so we can coordinate our help for her. Susan Love INC 977-7777. I put anonymous because I didn't feel like wading through all that stuff below.
ReplyDeleteWell, on August 19, 2011 in the early afternoon she was on the corner, near the University, in Charlottesville, VA.
ReplyDeletehttp://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002739263_panhandlers14e.html
ReplyDeleteNonsense, The Coming Insurrection is certaintly not arguing for innocent people to be hurt. As for the young lady, considering what the medical establishment may actually be up to, she may be doing her best to avoid any more uneccesary interventions. Regarding the notion that she is a 'scammer',enaging in guerilla non-profiteering for the sake of her daughter and family seems much less unethical than what big pharma and allopathy engage in daily. Some people may see the cancer industry when having dealt with it directly as racketeering and somewhat fraudullent in and of itself. Have you seen what the public in general is led to believe is reasonable to consume. Anyways I wonder how she feels about compulsory schooling and vaccination.
ReplyDelete"See this heart which has loved so much and recieved so little love in return....tell everyone that i really love him or her and want to be loved in return. If you love me pray and sacrfice for those who do not believe in my love or do not care about my love."-St. Margaret Mary
ReplyDeleteBeggars vs. Robber Barons
-"I have been enjoying immensley the magnificent raging and self-righteous cterwauling over our affluent family in residence her in Ashland,
I might be a bit sympathic to these outcries had there been even a breast-beating a few years ago when the Disney Corp. paid one bloke&36 100 mill to leave. Now that, folks,is a panhandle. Nor was there much of a stir when enron and their robber baron compatriots were fleecing city,state and federal coffers as well as people's pensions and life savings. And we the people picked up the bills. Shame on you for maligning an ancient and often honorably considered profession. Beggars do work, you know as hard as many others, harder, perhaps,than those who earned not what they spend. Earned not in a fascinating variety of ways. For those of a religous bent, check out your holy writs, whatever they be. Beggars are there. For all of us, let us not harden our hearts,because such is the destroyer of empires and civilazations."-Fredric M. Latty, Ashland, 2006
The irony of all this is i never us the computer that often, being with five children and surviving my time is limited,today we are riding out a hurricane and here i am. To those who have been supportive my humble gratitude now and forever. Your prayers and empathy are what fuels our everyday. Adrianne is thriving, although there is still more work to be done to say she is in full recovery, her eye sight is still the same asnd the last M.R.I. was clear.
Our intention was to try and settle in Charlottesville, but with current reaction we feel unwelcomed by enough for it to be uncomfortable. It has always been about using the money(money being a tool) to provide nurshing food and having a warm safe room for all of us to be in together at night. On occassion we may purchase clothing, joggers, a juicer, books, vitamins, nothing more than the average.I am grateful we have made it to this point and time.......My dedication to intergrative therapies, positive thinking, love and as much time with our children is why we do what we do......"People move continously sometimes forced by slavery, war or famine(cancer treatment or lack of fiscal inclusion,etc.). Always our movements reinvent us, remixing possibilities......Diaspora...to sew
And as for the coming insurrection, I've never read the book in it's entirity. I am interested in the concept that the calamity has already hit as it has for our family and taking action is all we can do. Action, not meaning violence, peacefil protesting, fundraising without a tax code, commiting random acts of kindness.
My children need me now.....if someone offered us a home no strings attached and it included all of us as a whole we would take it and work to keep that sacred space, just as we do now....as Keli so kindly puts smooches, elyse
Elyse, have I seen you also in vermont and maine? No judging here just question why I have seen you in so many places that I have been. First time I saw you was in Charlottesville,va. What ever the story. God Bless you
DeleteEncountered you outside Whole Foods in Alexandria 10 days ago. I'm from Boston and you mentioned surgery at Children's and treatment at Dana Farber. I am 67 years old and have a very low income. It is a hardship for me to give what little money I have away. However, I made a donation to you and then googled you. Wish I had googled first. It makes me think I should never give a penny to anyone I do not know personally. Shame on you.
DeleteForgive the spelling errors, many distractions!!!! elyse
ReplyDeleteElyse,
ReplyDeleteWe met on the street near the Zoo in DC. I said I would look for a nonprofit to help you in your situation. There is nothing wrong with taking help when it is offered, or asking for it when you need it. Love, Inc. in C-ville has offered to help you and the family. Here is there # 977-7777.
Please don't flee because you think people are judging you. Nobody is. We are just curious, and concerned for a fellow human.
Elyse and Jason really are wonderful people. A little different than your normal human beings and certainly live a different lifestyle then most but I can assure you there is love in that family. I have spent quite a bit of time with Jason and Elyse and they are making the best of their situation. Yes it is a little unconventional and may seem downright crazy to you but if they are okay with it then why shouldn't you be? There daughter is not a scam as she does have problems seeing. Everyone is so quick to make a villain out of people. HUGE organizations that you donate to every year scam you. These people are just trying to provide for their kids. Forget about their past. We all did stupid stuff when we were younger, hell look at Arnold Schwartzeneggar!!! Dont be so quick to point a finger and persecute as I promise if the role was reversed, BOTH ELYSE AND JASON would put money in your begging hand. They aren't the scumbag takers that you make them out to be. They are good solid people!!!!!
ReplyDeletethey are scammers…idiots
Delete🤣
DeleteThey seem to be in New England now -- I saw Elyse and her daughter on a very cold day in RI and gave them some money, even though I was sceptical. The thing that concerns me is her using her daughter in this way. Does anyone have outside confirmation the girl was ever sick? I worry about Munchausen syndrome.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a case of MBP
DeleteElyse and Adrianne were in Lexington, MA today. Thank you for sharing information here. Elyse and Adrianne and your entire family, I wish you the best and you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/affluent-beggars-draw-scrutiny-for-their-lifestyle/
I ran into Elyse in front of Trader Joe's at Coolidge Corner a few weeks ago, which was October 2015. I can't believe this blog was started in 2010. It's been 5 years ago and the scam in still on fire! Whether they are nice people or not is all irrelevant. A cheat is a cheat, and a lie is a lie. Unforgivable. I gave $1 to them on that day. Today I finally had the time to do my due diligence on the web. Interestingly they now are utilizing this crowdfunding site gofundme.com/Adrianne. If this is a scam they've been pretty successful. The target of fund raised is $20K and to date $16K is already raised.
ReplyDeleteUp to 180,000 now!
DeleteI have seen these people around Lexington MA and surrounding towns for about the past year. I can trace them online back to Oregon in 2006. They are professional panhandlers, not having another line of work, but I do not think they are scammers or liars. I have given them money on GoFundMe a couple of times. I am guessing that about the worst thing anyone can say about them is hat they don't pay any taxes on their collections from GoFundMe.
ReplyDeleteIt is evident from online accounts of encounters with them that they constantly travel the Northeast corridor. How can the children possibly in school? I feel that to be asking for other people's money asserting that your child needs cancer treatments when that is not the truth is a negative comment on this lifestyle.
DeleteI met them yesterday. I'd rather be fooled into loving Christ by another human, than be fooled out of loving Christ by the desire to cast my own judgement.
ReplyDelete"When did we see you hungry or thirsty, or unclothed? When you did this for the least of these, you did this for me."
I met them Monday, outside of the Trader Joes in Arlington, Virginia. Elyse was asking for money for her daughter Adrianne who has brain cancer. To use a child to scam is really, really unconscionable. I doubt many people would be compelled to donate if Elyse wasn't using her daughter's illness as the reason for soliciting donations. You are entitled to your lifestyle choices but be honest about what you are doing....we don't believe in working we prefer to panhandler, using our children for sympathy, instead of actually working to earn a living. Her gofundme site has raised $32,741 of the target $50,000. Tisk tisk
ReplyDeleteOutside Whole Foods in Kentlands 3/31/17
ReplyDeleteSaw them in crystal city 6/1/2017 before noon. Got handed a card with the gofundme page . Said kid had cancer and had the girl with her.
ReplyDeleteElyse posted recently that she had been forced out of housing in Eastham, Ma for refusing to name her husband and something about pedophiles. Elyse could use some mental health care, no?
ReplyDeleteArdmore, PA (suburbs outside of Philadelphia) October 2017
ReplyDeletehttps://www.gofundme.com/Adrianne
ReplyDeleteElyse Johnson aka Elyse Pancoast and her daughter are now in the Newport, RI area.
ReplyDeleteSaw them both in Georgetown, Washington D.C.
ReplyDeleteThe girl is definitely blind and the mother appears desperate. Wish we could do something more to help besides giving them money. I am concerned with where the mother spends it.
just received sticky note with GFM/Adrianne in Alex VA from the mom and contributed too - now i am reading these posts ... oh well
ReplyDeleteI encountered Elyse and Adrienne at the Lowe’s in Dedham MA yesterday. Similarly to what others have said, it is apparent that the parents have CHOSEN this lifestyle of being affluent beggars. Therefore, using their children and their “sickness” for sympathy and to sustain their chosen lifestyle. Extremely deceitful!
ReplyDeleteYes! I am working quite extensively to put a stop to this scam. I have informed the police and dedham, reported to gofundme, wrote to boston childrens who they blame. This is abuse and their are many more children they will do this to
DeleteIt was a scam lol it is still going on. She has now raised $180,000 and is in massachusetts
ReplyDeleteBTW, since it is apparent they check this forum. The Dedham police has been informed about this. I would stay away from stores in dedham going forward.
ReplyDelete