HELP! I want to move out of my car!

My name is Moriat McNamara. I am a 62 year old, single woman who is homeless.

why...this fund?
After a 12 year nightmare, I am finally recovering from major depression, chronic back pain and most recently, bilateral hip replacement. I am looking to raise money to pay medical bills and re-establish my independence, so I can return to work, secure a place to live and be able, again, to be mother to my 19 years old twins.

how... homeless?
My children were age 7 in August 2002, when I had two consecutive surgeries within one month. Afterwards, I was left with two vertical titanium rods which constrained most of my spine. This was to result in  my experiencing severe, chronic and often unbearable back pain. Also, having had a history of severe depression--it had now returned with a vengeance--sucking me into a vortex and dragging the children with me.

This nightmare went on for ten years, when, finally on December 23, 2012--dangerously on the brink of suicide--I committed myself to the inpatient psychiatric unit at Norwalk Hospital. This became a significant turning point. During my stay, the psychiatrist prescribed a combination of medications that were miraculously effective. I felt hopeful, clear headed, and able to function for the first time in over ten years. Meanwhile, the reality of my situation had taken hold. My hospitalization had alerted child protective services; I was evicted from my apartment, and my children were removed from my care.

Fortunately, the fact that I was no longer depressed, gave me enough strength to survive and manage the next phase. First, an old friend offered to take me in for a couple of months. I will be forever grateful for his support and remarkable generosity during this time. In leaving, I faced the inevitable reality that I was now ‘on the streets.’ Contacting extended family members was not an option, for all have long been deceased. The shelters had no beds, and wait lists were closed. For the next several months, I spent each day looking for a job. By night, I slept in my car. I later stayed in a halfway house, while I continued my job search. However, my back pain was, still, at times, unbearable. And now, severe arthritis in both hips began to flare. The pain shot to the ceiling!

when...begin the turn around?
What happened next, I consider to be a small miracle. I was seen by the orthopedic surgeon at the free clinic. He determined that bilateral hip replacement was necessary, but particularly complicated due to my spinal injuries. The surgeon had been partners with a specialist who performed such procedures. He referred me for a consultation. And, although the specialist didn't accept Medicaid, he offered to replace both hips for a drastically reduced rate.

The surgeries were a great success, and as the surgeon had hoped, my back pain is now minimal and I am walking normally. In addition, he expects even more improvement over the next year. I am eternally grateful to this remarkable doctor, who, by his generosity and exceptional skill, increased my odds for the best possible outcome. He has changed my life!

how...use of funds?
However, in order to get back on my feet, I need your help. Whatever you are able to contribute would go toward paying my medical bills, and helping me transition from homelessness to working independence and be mother to my children. Any amount would be a huge gift!

Lastly, if you wish to help, but prefer a different way to contribute, please copy, paste and share: http://www.gofundme.com/fund-for-moriat. This would be so helpful!  

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for whatever you choose.

Sincerely,
Moriat G McNamara