Please help me stand again

My name is Josie Mardis. I am in Louisville, KY, to participate in an epidural stimulator study for people with chronic spinal cord injuries. I grew up in Southeast Kansas, and left seven months ago to come to Louisville.

I was involved in a rollover car accident on February 16, 1998. I dislocated C6 and crushed C7 in my neck, resulting in paralysis below my chest. Prior to my accident, I was involved in band, basketball, softball, several school clubs, and church. Being a junior in high school at the time of my accident was definitely tough, but I only missed nine weeks of school. I returned with three weeks left and completed the requirements for English and American history in that time because I wanted to graduate with my classmates. After having the summer off, I took a full schedule of classes my senior year and graduated with my classmates.

I went on to Allen Community College, where I earned my Associate in Arts two years later. I was a member of the Academic Excellence Challenge team, and was named to the Kansas All-Academic Team, among other honors.

I continued my college education at Emporia State University, where I graduated with my Bacelor of Science in Education, focused on secondary math and special education. I have gone on to teach in a number of capacities, including high school interrelated special ed, subbing for preK-12 classrooms, and teaching middle school STEM. In addition, I worked for a faith-based after school program in Chanute, KS, called Cherry Street Youth Center, where I served in several capacities. I also spent 10+ years tutoring and teaching developmental math at Neosho County Community College. Prior to leaving Kansas, I worked for TRIO Student Support Services at Independence Community College. I am now working part time for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System teaching adult English Language Learners at Amazon.

My disability has done little to stop me. I graduated from Northeastern State University in May 2022 with my MEd in Science and STEM certificate. Worked with the enormous help of a few friends to pack my belongings up in about two weeks, and came to Kentucky. My caregiver, Wyme, her husband, Don, and their son, Nathanial, came with me.

For the last seven months, we have been living in an extended stay hotel while we try to find more permanent housing that will accommodate my wheelchair and fit into our budget. Don is going to school to be a Toyota mechanic and works part time for Lexus. I have been jumping through many hoops to get Medicaid set up for myself so Wyme can get paid. She has not been paid since we arrived. I was finally able to get Medicaid straightened out in December, but will not meet with my case manager until January 20. It will be at least another couple of weeks after that before Wyme starts getting paid.

I don't know how familiar anyone is with extended stay hotels, but they get expensive in a hurry. For two small studio apartment style rooms for us, it is costing $700+ per week in rent alone. My savings is essentially tapped out, and we have enough money for gas to get back & forth to work and for one more week's worth of room rent. After that, I am unsure what we will do. I am seeking help to tide us over until Wyme begins getting paid and Don's financial aid comes through in mid-February.

Any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking time to read my story!