Amber's feet have gone to the dogs. Help needed!

Hello friends and family. I try not to get too overwhelmed by my situation, try to put a positive spin on it, or at least laugh at it. But my feet really have gone to the dogs... And I need to ask for help.

As many of you know, I've had to take the last year and a half off from dog walking to address my health issues. After 6 years, it had become too painful to continue the job I loved. I worked with Laura's Critter Care and Outta the Dog House as an independent contractor, taking care of dozens of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds, you name it! I went from 15,000 steps a day down to maybe 3,000 steps and was still in tremendous amounts of pain. I was unbalanced and concerned about falling.

After finding out that I would need surgery to correct numerous foot issues, I also discovered that I would have to move to a first floor apartment so that I could remain mobile. The kids and I packed up and moved from our second story walk up to a small apartment complex in North Buffalo.

The sweeties that they are, Avery and Liam pledged to take care of me and assured me I'd be okay. They have been an amazing source of help and strength for me. We actually found an apartment building where they could live in an upstairs apartment together, and I could live downstairs on my own. And since they are 21 and 23, it is great they can have their independence and I can be close at the same time! It is really an ideal situation. And I can still help them, too. We love to cook for each other, spend time hanging out, chatting, being neighborly, painting together, and of course, eating anything that involves chocolate!

So....

Knee surgery happened in the Fall of 2022, right foot/ankle fusion surgery in March of 2023, and left foot/ankle fusion surgery in December of 2023.

I found out on March 5th, that the right foot/ankle surgery was not successful. No fusion occurred in the bones; when the hardware was removed, my foot basically collapsed -both bone and ligament, causing tremendous pain - worse than when I originally started my journey. So I am scheduled at the end of March for a revision ankle/foot fusion surgery. This unexpected surgery will add on at least 6 more months of recovery to what has already become a year and a half off from work.

Because I have been self-employed, a stay-at-home mother for 17 years, and now because of these four surgeries, things are exceedingly tight financially. I am setting my goal at $7,000. This will basically cover six months rent as well as renting a wheelchair and a knee scooter.

I appreciate if you've made it to this point and you're still reading! I know we are all having to deal with inflation, this economy, and housing costs. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. And if I never make it to $7,000 it's totally fine. Understandable. At least I know I have tried every angle.

As a thank you , I would like to offer a small piece of my artwork to you. I have copies of my artwork that I can share with you, or if you have a photo that you would like me to paint, I would be delighted! I'm no professional, but people seem to enjoy my quirky artsy style. Just let me know if you're interested in something! Also guaranteed as a thank you, many many hugs, posts, silly text messages, and more hugs!

Thank you so much for listening. To my Facebook community, friends, former clients, former employers, and to all whom this plea reaches, I appreciate you considering helping me out. I most certainly will be paying this forward when I am able. I've been touched by the generosity of the people in my life. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Amber Kallen-Monroe