Have you seen this floating around? Here is why. This is our story and my humbling experience.

As many of you know our year, like many of yours has been a challenging one. At the starting of our year, after I was recently relocated by my work, we had to move due to a mold situation. We had only lived in our new home a few months, it was devastating. Not only was it unexpected but very costly. In February I had to take a sudden leave of absence to care for my dying grandmother in AL. Whom passed within days of me arriving. I was thankful to be her nurse and care for her on her way out. The day after returning home we were stunned with news that my sister had developed cancer, at the age of 36, mother of a beautiful 3yr old little girl. And not just any type, but a very rapidly invasive type of Melonoma. Which she shortly thereafter underwent invasive surgery for and continues to battle to this day, requiring chemo 3x a week. It seemed all of our lives were turned upside down suddenly. But as many of you have experienced, a lot of times with death comes birth. Then, we found out we were pregnant. It's as if suddenly there was some hope and happiness amidst all the sorrow and pain, some hope in all of our lives.

Now Fastforward
2 months into my pregnancy I began to experience the most severe migraines I have ever encountered (I have a long history of migraines). They lasted for days and occassionally weeks at a time. These episodes immediately began to spike my blood pressure. (I have no previous significant health issues other than a rare birth defect). The question became "was it the chicken before the egg". My blood pressure would rise to as high as 191/117 and HR 135. I was being seen weekly by OB, and each visit was sent to the ER over a period of a few months. Sometimes ER visits would occur even between my OB visits. I was started on numerous medications. My OB's immediately pulled me out of work due to pregnancy complications. That was 4 months ago, I am now a little over 6 months pregnant. I am currently still instructed to rest and still not cleared to work, per my OB, "until further notice".
I have always worked hard, and absolutely loved my career as a Registered Nurse. In our freetime our lives revolved around my sons love for baseball. So abruptly being confined to home, rarely leaving the house and unable to drive, or even sometimes ride in a car even, has been a tough pill to swallow. I am beyond stir crazy and yes, depressed.

I thought I was prepared for emergencies like these. I was certain I had a back up plan. I have paid on supplemental insurance for a few years now, in case of an emergency such as this. How sorely I was mistaken. My plan was not a plan. Little did I know that if your boss does not want to sign her employer statement verifying, you as the employee are indeed not working, Aflac will not pay. So, here 4 months later, after 2 physicians statements, 4 MD notes (as requested by my employer) and numerous attempts to obtain the required employer statement, we are left spiraling out of control financially. This battle has cost us over 10k in loss wages, medical bills, legal fees and my car is in the process of repossession AND if we do not come up with our rent we will be evicted in 2 weeks. Regardless of our outcome I am now at a point that I have to file bankruptcy. Odd, after being a single mom for 12 years and experiencing so many struggles along the way, to completing 6 years of college...I have to file bankruptcy now. How could I have known or suspected this could happen? I was obviously considered a valuable player at my job, afterall I was recently relocated and signed to a contract. (There was no clause about medical leave etc.)

It takes a lot of courage to publicly post such personal info and expose myself so raw and ask for help. My boyfriend's daughter just relocated from Germany to live with us fulltime. Within our home we are multiplying and it's truly beautiful and we are very grateful. In the midst of feeling like I am losing so much it has become crystal clear how much I have gained, even through this.
I am asking for you to please share our story and respect our privacy. Our children are teenagers, returning to school within the next few weeks. We are making every attempt to keep what we can from interfering with their "happy- go- lucky- lives". One day this can be a story for them to learn from, today...is not the day. So please share and send good vibes our way. We can use all the peace and love you can shower us with.

Sincerly,
Steph


Update:
                                                         July 27, 2016
Good morning. Making my self vulnerable and raw again. I feel like I should throw this out there to reassure you we are not out living it up while asking for your money. Since this began we turned off cable (to save money), yeah, being confined to home without T.V. is different to say the least, makes for a long 4 + months. We have cut back on uneccessary spending and bills all together. I have thought about crafts, I love crafts, but at this time it would be irresponsible to go out and spend money like that. (Fortunately, only 12 weeks roughly of this left, the confinement that is). Other than that, I have left the house with Joel to go grocery shopping (if able), Jace to baseball practice (if Joel is off on time to drive), but most often baseball moms grab him. I have been to only 1 of his tournaments, long drive, paid for it for days, and the rest of the tournaments? Again, baseball moms took him to and also paid for, embarassing to say, not to mention the baseball camps, 1 of the moms paid for that too. I have also been out for the 4th of July with family. Scalloping (couldn't participate and remained under the canopy). And now the beach today, and 1 time prior to this. That is my last 4 months. Oh, and numerous ER and OB appointments. I promise you, I wouldn't ask for help if it wasn't warranted. I am not a mooch, neither one of us are. I plan in every way to repay those who have and will help in any way I can and will always pay it forward. Please help us by sharing if you are unable to donate. You wouldn't believe the avenues that have opened up just from your shares. But we are still not to our goal yet. Please help. Thank you


Update:
                                                         July 26, 2016
 Really stressed about some things I found out related to myself and baby Nia today. I'm not much of a prayer warrior but I'll take whatever you've got; vibes, peace, love or prayer. Kids want to go to the beach tomorrow. It's a must for me. I need out of the house and to see their smiling faces. Hoping to survive with a tent, water and relaxation, and most definitely the car ride.


Update:

We are continuing to battle our circumstances. I refuse to give up, and am doing every thing I can to stay on top of this and fight, even after 4 months. Please continue to spread the word. You have all helped in so many ways and we are very appreciative. 



Previously written by one of my best friends. She originally started this gofundme page in an effort to help.  Thank you, Aisha:

I just spoke with a friend and my heart just hurts. With everything that's going on in the world today we need to come together and help each other out as much as we can. A little bit of love and kindness can go a long way. I was so touched to hear her story I decided to make an anonymous gofundme account. She has been through a lot in life and has worked very hard to get the beautiful life, job and family she has today. She just moved into a brand new home, so to hear she is at risk of losing it just hurts my soul, and if I had it I would give it all to her. She's been a single mother of an amazing kid, who is now a teenager. Her family has multiplied rapidly this year and she has embraced every moment of it. So much so that they are finally pregnant! She has gotten the news due to medical issues she is now high risk and her doctors have advised her to take it easy and remain homebound and placed her on medically classified disability. Unfortunately her boss is refusing to complete her portion of the needed disability paperwork to have her insurance and finances covered. Dad has had to leave work to care for her on multiple occasions, doctor appointments and hospital visits . They have been fighting the battle for disability for 4 months time now but the wait and lengthy process has left them with no option but to file for bankruptcy. It has taken a great toll already and the decline is fast. Much faster than they could keep recovering from. It has been months and her boss still won't budge. Rent is behind and now they are at risk of losing their home as well as their tranportation. The transportation is already in the beginning process of repossesion. They now have two weeks to find somewhere else to stay and no money left what so ever. School is just around the corner and they haven't even begun to go school shopping for clothes supplies or even baby items. They haven't yet told the kids and they just don't know how to. I know God will make a way out of no way I am living proof of that and today we need a miracle. I KNOW when ever you NEED and BELIEVE God will show up and show out!! So please I pray and thank God to put it on the hearts of ALL who read this to help me to help someone else. Not just because I have asked but also because someone else needs it because the life and health of a baby not yet here needs it, because A family needs it, because this family DESERVES it, because my friend SHE deserves it and so much more. A lot can solve many problems but a little can certainly go long way. Give a little in a time when we ALL need it most. Thank you in advance for being a part of a miracle And being that vessel of love  Light and maybe even hope to another. I love you all for even taking the time to read and or lend a helping hand. Wishing you all much love and many blessings...... and please pass it on.