Medical and Student Loan Debt

From a young age, I knew I wanted to spend my life helping others. Over time, I developed a love for working with youth. As a result, I have volunteered with youth organizations and church programs dedicated to serving young people.

Pursuing my life goals, I worked diligently to obtain a bachelor’s degree in both Sociology and Criminal Justice from Messiah College. The faith and academic growth I gained during that time, not to mention the life-long friendships I gained, are immeasurable. My time at Messiah College helped to shape me and my future in ways I couldn’t be more grateful for. However, after completing my undergraduate studies, I learned a difficult lesson. The unintended consequence of my education is substantial student loan debt incurred through a private lender. To avoid adding to this, I obtained my master’s degree through a scholarship program.

Ultimately, as an adult, my desire to work with youth led me to a career working in the juvenile justice field. In 2009, I had barely begun my career when my world was turned upside down. Through a series of symptoms and doctor appointments, I learned I had to have brain surgery to remove a benign tumor. The recovery was painful and seemed like forever before my life felt normal again. Despite it all, I kept a positive attitude and continued to dedicate my life to serving young people through my career and volunteer work. Unfortunately, things fell apart in 2011 when a second tumor was discovered during routine follow-up. Thankfully, I was able to avoid another surgery and instead received gamma knife radiation treatment to prevent that tumor from growing further. Unfortunately, the location of that tumor caused a deviated septum, and in December 2011, I underwent surgery to repair the issue and support proper breathing.

Less than one year later, I developed a sleep disorder similar to narcolepsy called Idiopathic Hypersomnia. Sleep disorders are widespread in people who experience Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It was an adjustment and took a long time to figure out, but through working with doctors and finding the proper medication regimen, eventually, I felt normal again. I was able to continue my passions in life.

Every year since then, I celebrated being tumor-free and the personal growth I gained from the journey. In all honesty, a large part of the celebration was that this part of my story was in my past. Unfortunately, in November 2021, I learned the tumor previously treated with radiation had grown and that I would have to have radiation again. I also learned I would need surgery to repair a deviated septum for a second time due to the location and growth of the tumor.

On January 10, 2022, I underwent gamma knife radiation for a second time. Then, in May 2022, I had surgery to repair the deviated septum. I am grateful that the road ahead looks promising from a health standpoint, but these medical procedures are not without cost.

I hope to continue the work that I have dedicated my life to. Unfortunately, this line of work does not support my financial needs between student loan debt and medical costs. Over the years, I have often worked second and third jobs to pay this debt. Unfortunately, due to my most recent medical issues, I cannot continue working additional jobs for the time being. The daily responsibilities of life can be hard enough. Still, with the medical issues I have faced and associated costs, as well as the cost of my education, my life has become incredibly difficult to manage. As someone that has always worked to help others, I find it challenging to be the one asking for help, but I know that is exactly what I need to do. Please consider donating to help offset the costs I have incurred throughout my journey so that I may continue to build a life that gives back to others.