Disabled, But Not Broken

My name is Natasha, and I'm an artist and engineer living in the Washington, DC area, usually active online under the username "lupinia". Almost two years ago, I was in a severe car wreck that left me permanently disabled. Soon after, I unexpectedly lost my job. I've been trying to look for work ever since, but aside from a short-term temporary project that didn't pay very well, my search has been unsuccessful. It hasn't helped that my newfound disability limits my job options.

Despite all that, I'm not giving up. I spend all day every day trying to find work to get me back on my feet (figuratively). However, despite my best efforts, and the efforts of friends and family up to this point, I'm unable to pay any of my bills, including rent, and if I lose my home, my hopes of surviving and having a life again will be lost with it.

The amount requested in this campaign represents roughly two months of vital, minimal expenses, and that's what all donations will go towards: Rent, utilities, and medical expenses (prescriptions, health insurance, doctor copays, etc). This is a small fraction of the funds required to deal with all of my current emergencies, but I can't focus on much else if my basic necessities are in jeopardy. I'll stop taking donations as soon as I secure a job, and I'll refund anything I don't need.

I've always held myself to high standards of self-sufficiency, so asking for help is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. I'm usually the one helping everyone else. I've survived and overcome a lot of trauma in my lifetime, and I intend to survive this as well. I'm not going to give up, and I still believe in my own strength. I can overcome this. But I can't do it alone, and I've run out of options. So, if you can help me to survive this dark chapter, I'll be eternally grateful, and happy to pay it back or pay it forward when I'm able to.

Thank you.

-Natasha L.