A Partner and a Promise

​Hello, my name is Sarah Avala, and this is the story of my husband, Forrest, and I. We've known each other since we were five years old. We met in Eureka, California, in elementary school and reconnected in high school, where we quickly became inseparable. My husband saw me through my struggles with ADHD and autism diagnoses, and he even used to carry me on his back to classes in high school and college because of large, painful masses in my feet that were later removed. He has been through every major milstone, setback, and adventure.

​Our relationship grew as we both pursued our passions. I became a historic restorator and carpenter, and Forrest became a 911 response EMT. At one point I was offered a job in Portland OR, and my husband was willing to give up his work as an EMT to re-locate. We were living our dreams until a bad workplace accident—I fell from about ten feet, dislocating my tailbone and compressing my spine. This injury, combined with nerve damage from my previous foot surgeries, has made it incredibly difficult for me to work and even stand for long periods.

​A Cascade of Medical Crises

​My injury started a cascade of health issues. I lost my job and my health insurance. Over the past few years, I’ve had to deal with an ectopic pregnancy that required emergency surgery as well as the removal of a fallopian tube, a severe condition called Canna Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), and debilitating, frequent migraines that have led to fainting, stitches, and concussions.

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Because of these medical emergencies and chronic health issues, my resume looks more like a long grocery list than a career path. I’ve tried to hold onto jobs, but I'm often let go because of flare-ups or emergencys. Meanwhile, we're drowning in medical debt. My husband, Forrest, works over 40 hours a week as a carpenter to keep us afloat, but we make just enough to be ineligible for government assistance.

​Help Me Get Back on My Feet

​I’m not asking for help because I'm too proud to work. I’m asking for help because I’ve hit a wall and been shut out by a system filled with red tape. I know what I'm capable of and what I have to offer the world. I just need a chance to get my health under control so I can get back to doing what I love.

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My goal is to raise $6,000. This money will be used for three things:

1. ​Subsidized Health Insurance: This will allow me to finally get the medical care I need to manage my conditions.

​2. College Tuition: The rest of the funds will allow me to enroll in college again, this time to study for a remote or flexible job.

​3. Paying Down Medical Debt: Any remaining funds will go towards catching up on our bills and paying down the medical debt that has been piling up.

​I believe in the power of community and paying kindness forward. As a small thank you for your generosity, I promise to donate one hour of volunteer work for every $100 donated, specifically at retirement homes. I have a passion for history and storytelling and would love to help record the life experiences of the residents before they are lost to time.

​Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can offer