A rideshare ride turned nightmare—please help

Hi, my name is Heather, and I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult times of my life.

In October 2023, I endured a horrific and life-altering experience when I was sexually assaulted and stalked by a rideshare driver in Nashville, Tennessee. This individual was working with a long and violent criminal record — including battery, stalking with threats of death, assault, and reckless driving — yet was somehow hired by a major rideshare company. He is now on the Most Wanted List. (see most wanted article attached)

This traumatic situation has taken an extreme toll on both my mental and physical health. I now live with severe PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and debilitating anxiety. By November 2023, the stress had caused my hair to start falling out, and by March 2024, I had lost it completely. I have included date stamped photos before the assault and in April 2024 of my hair to show the loss. I’ve been in and out of hospitals, trying multiple medications with harsh side effects. I’ve survived several suicide attempts — the most recent left me on life support with respiratory failure, pneumonia, and sepsis.

For nearly two years now, I’ve been fighting to survive — not just physically and emotionally, but financially. I’ve spent more time in hospitals and recovery than I have on my feet. I’ve tried to return to work when I could, but every time I’ve made progress, a medical crisis has set me back again. I’ve drained my savings, sold personal belongings, and relied on temporary aid just to get by. But the truth is, I’m at the end of what I can manage on my own due to no available funding.

This medical crisis also caused me to lose my job, and with it, my health insurance. Since being discharged from the hospital, I’ve had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat, sleep, and even breathe. My pulmonologist has given me a six-month window to fully recover my lungs, but I still need ongoing respiratory therapy, physical therapy, medications, and help with basic living expenses.

Right now, I’m doing everything I can to stay strong — mentally, physically, and emotionally — but I’ve reached a point where I need to ask for help.

I’m raising funds to cover medical bills, therapy, medications, rent, groceries, and the basic costs of daily life while I continue healing. These expenses are overwhelming and the funds donated will help me keep a roof over my head and cover the next few months of treatment, so I can recover, rebuild, and return to work.

Every single donation — no matter the size — makes a meaningful difference. Venmo @headuurw. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page means the world to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story, and for any support you can give during the most difficult time of my life.

With gratitude,

Heather