It was a truly inspiring thing to watch Monday.

As one media outlet after another picked up the story of actress Karen Black and husband Stephen Eckelberry turning to GoFundMe to raise money for her non-insurance covered European cancer treatment, the amount pledged sped past $17,000 on its way, at press time, to more than double that. In the midst of it all, Eckelberry shared a heartfelt message of gratitude while donors like Paul Warren ($20.00) explained their connection to the actress:

I had the great pleasure of meeting Karen in the 80′s when she was performing on Broadway in Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean. I was a young actor at that time and Ms. Black was very kind and supportive. Ms. Black you are a unique talent and person. I hope this new treatment will help. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

The online target goal has been raised throughout the short, spirited fundraising campaign, from $17,000, to $22,000, to $32,000. Many who donated wished that they could afford more, and FishbowlLA spied in the bunch several names that could very well be those of entertainment journalists.