When I was 17 I Busted my head open and permanently injured my neck playing under bleachers. I never understood what was going on or my flare ups that would repeatedly take me out of work and away from my family. I would go to the doctor they would tell me nothings wrong or I would loose insurance because I couldn’t afford it from missing to much work. Society says I’m supposed to be the bread winner so I never gave up and it dug a hole. Eventually I started working for Amazon as a delivery driver. A few months ago, I suffered another head injury. I lacerated the back of my head and injured my neck after standing up into the bottom of a TV one morning getting ready for work. 

I returned to work a day or so later and toughed it out a month or so until I couldn’t stand the pain etc. One morning I woke up unable to perform my job duties due to pain, rigidness and swelling inside my head but I went to the ER for a panic attack that wouldn’t stop.  Amazon recommended I stay home. We drained our 5000$ we had in savings to stay afloat until now.

It’s been a nightmare trying to get the right appointments and medical care. I have issues with my C6 and C7 in my neck as well as problems with my spine due to a car accident. I deal with chronic migraines, dizzy spells, and nerve pain that range from burning sensations to feeling like electrocution. I masked it to care for my family. After this bump the mask was ripped away.

I am married to a wonderful partner, and together, we have three beautiful children whom I love more than anything. We’ve held off on asking for help, relying on our savings while navigating the mess.

Added update- we couldn’t afford our bills so we had to move states away from our home state in with family who cannot afford to help support us but can fortunately house us.