Jan Cline was diagnosed with terminal Multiple myeloma in July. Multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Because of the high expenses involved with her treatment, Jan began selling her personal belongings to help pay the medical bills.

She set up weekend sales in her backyard in an attempt to liquidate her estate. A nosy neighbor decided to complain to the city. The city of Salem, Oregon has an ordinance that limits yard sales to 3 per year and has shut down her sales due to this ordinance. At this point they are not willing to make any exceptions to this ordinance, instead they are trying to locate commercial property where she can hold her sale.

A simple waiver would solve the matter. Jan isn’t running sales to make a profit, she is selling her own personal belongings. She is running the sales on weekends and in her back yard. There is no reason the city cannot simply make an exception based on these conditions. The city expects this woman to physically move the contents of her sale despite the fact that she is dying from a terminal form of bone cancer.

I usually write posts about homesteading related topics but this situation just outraged me!! I felt compelled to share the story with all of you. If Jan’s neighbors aren’t going to help then it is up to us to do something. Part of being self-sufficient is having the ability to help those around us that are truly in need.

If you would like to help Jan Cline in any way please follow this link to make a small donation. As of this article, generous people have donated close to $20,000 to help with her medical expenses. The local news ran an article about the outpouring of support from across the country.

If you would like to call or email the Mayor of Salem, Oregon you can find her contact info here.

Here is a report from local news KATU.

My heart goes out to Jan and her friends and family. Although recovery isn’t likely I hope that she is able to live the remainder of her days with dignity and peace.