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Luna’s Prairie
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Luna’s Prairie

Luna’s Prairie

$3,020.00 raised of $10,000.00 goal


Aug 17, 2022 to Jun 30, 2023
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Story

Isaac Moel was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer in April 2019 at the age of 23. He completed several major surgeries and dozens of rounds of chemotherapy to remove cancer from his colon, liver, lymph nodes, and peritoneum. Thankfully, he has come a long way since diagnosis, is feeling good overall, and currently has very minimal residual disease remaining. His current treatment plan should keep things stable with manageable side effects until more effective treatments or a cure is developed. 

Prior to his diagnosis, Isaac had been worrking in organic farming and soil engineering while he finished his associates degree. After his mom talked their family into trying goat yoga in the Summer of 2019, he decided raising goats himself might help him keep a smile on his face and active during treatment as well as provide a possible avenue for employment in the future. This turned out to be an especially good decision when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and made it even more difficult to return to a traditional workplace due to his compromised immune system. Ever since, Isaac has been dreaming of turning his hobby farm (he also has chickens and a garden) into a small-business that would gain him greater independence and financial stability while also allowing the flexibility and safety needed as a cancer survivor. Which brings us full circle and to the creation of "Luna's Prairie"!

"Luna" means "moon goddess" in ancient mythology and so it's a very fitting name for "the queen" of Isaac's Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat herd on No Where Ave in Iowa City, Iowa, where he lives on 20 acres of a family farm, prairie, and wetlands. Luna and her twin sister, Eleanor, just delievered their first kids, which means he can start milking his goats and developing products to sell! Nigerian Dwarf goats produce some of the higest quality milk which can be used to make moisturizing soaps and lotions for sensitive skin as well as cheese and yogurt for sensitive digestive systems. These products became important to Isaac when dealing with skin and digestive side effects of the treatments he's received. It hasn't been easy to find quality, non-toxic, fragrance and dye-free options that actually work, feel and smell good...so he's decided he could make his own! He'll start out with skin products, including soap, lotion, shampoo bars, and bath bombs. He found lotion with CBD to be helpful for pain relief during treatment and hopes to develop an option for this use as well. It is his hope that by providing high-quality, local, sustainable, and healthy products anyone can enjoy and feel safe using, he can give back to the community that has already supported him through so much! 

The really good news is that Isaac recently qualified for the Self-Employment Program through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS). This program provides technical and financial assistance to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency and work at their optimum level by starting their own Iowa-based small-business. IVRS will provide support from a Business Development Specialist and up to $10,000 of financial assisstance based on a Dollar-for-Dollar Match (see more details about the program here: ivrs.iowa.gov). Isaac has already developed a business plan and created a logo and is ready to start purchasing equipment for milking and product development. He plans to start by selling products in local stores, markets, and online and as always will have lots of hands-on support from his family and close friends as needed to make his business a success! 

This is where the rest of you come in! Please consider helping Isaac to kickstart his business with a direct financial crowdfunding contribution which can then be matched dollar-for-dollar by IVRS. 100% of your donation (minus credit card platform fees) will come back to Isaac (scroll to the bottom of the page for the link). You may also purchase a shirt or tote with the original "Luna's Praire" logo that Isaac designed himself and 40% of that purchase will come back to help Isaac achieve his self-employment dream! 

Supporters

  • Logan April 17, 2022
  • Jo April 17, 2022
  • Casey Moel April 17, 2022
  • Joy Moel April 17, 2022
  • Anonymous April 17, 2022
  • Chloe April 17, 2022
  • Mary Moel April 17, 2022
  • Anonymous April 18, 2022
  • Anonymous April 18, 2022
  • Patti Schott April 18, 2022
  • Fran & Cherie April 18, 2022
  • Anonymous April 18, 2022
  • Kinsey Foglio April 18, 2022
  • Anonymous April 19, 2022
  • Anonymous April 19, 2022
  • Anonymous April 20, 2022
  • Linda April 21, 2022
  • Rebecca April 21, 2022
  • Anonymous April 21, 2022
  • Miranda Sauvé April 21, 2022
  • Libby April 21, 2022
  • Anonymous April 21, 2022
  • Clay & Michaela April 22, 2022
  • Anonymous April 23, 2022
  • Anonymous April 23, 2022
  • Anonymous April 23, 2022
  • Laura April 24, 2022
  • Laura April 24, 2022
  • Anonymous April 24, 2022
  • Anonymous April 24, 2022
  • Anonymous April 24, 2022
  • Anonymous April 25, 2022
  • Anonymous April 25, 2022
  • Sky May 1, 2022
  • Kayleen May 2, 2022
  • Anonymous May 2, 2022
  • Anonymous May 2, 2022
  • Marjorie Rahe May 7, 2022
  • Lindsey Arnold May 17, 2022
  • Jordan Bibby May 20, 2022
  • Anonymous May 22, 2022
  • Colleen Loney May 22, 2022
  • Anonymous May 27, 2022
  • Anonymous August 17, 2022
  • Kris Moel August 17, 2022
  • Anonymous August 29, 2022
  • Bekah Peplinski September 1, 2022
  • Shanti September 7, 2022
  • Anonymous September 7, 2022
  • Amber Bails September 7, 2022
  • Natalie Bade September 8, 2022
  • Anonymous September 12, 2022
  • Linda and Philip September 15, 2022
  • Jessica Kanani October 18, 2022
  • Anonymous November 5, 2022
  • Diane Dingbaum November 20, 2022
  • Laurie Larson November 21, 2022
  • Anonymous December 1, 2022
  • Sharyl Hultgren December 24, 2022
  • Anonymous January 8, 2023
  • Anonymous February 15, 2023
  • Cheryl Blessington-Dunkin May 16, 2023

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