Cancer survivor, needs spinal surgery risk of homelessness

Earlier this year, I injured my lower back — specifically the L5-S1 disc. Over time, the pain became unbearable. In June, I was diagnosed with complete disc space loss, endplate spondylosis, and facet arthropathy. The disc is now bone-on-bone, and even small movements — like sitting or coughing — cause intense pain. Working has become nearly impossible and as of this past week my ability to do anything is becoming less and less. Walking is almost impossible from the pain leaving me to stay in bed most of the day. I do need to get spinal surgery and hope to before the end of this year. I really need help as I've never found myself in this position, even with past health issues, I just took them and somehow managed with a smile on my face.

However, this is just another difficult chapter in my long health journey. I’ve already survived cancer multiple times, multiple heart attacks, and strokes. In 2022, I broke my neck (C5) during COVID and had to undergoing major surgery.

Now, this back injury has set me back again. Because I haven’t been able to work much in June or July, I’ve fallen behind on rent and bills. I’ve never had to ask for help like this before, but I’m doing everything I can to avoid losing my home.

I live with my 7 cats, and my son who are my emotional support through all of this. I don't have family to help and I’m fighting every day to heal and keep moving forward.

All help goes towards this months past due rent to avoid homelessness and next months. Any extra help will go towards future rent during spinal surgery/ recovery.

Any support — whether a donation or just sharing this — truly means the world to me.