February 13, 2026

Ok - here's an update.

I expected that by now at least one stage of my disability claim would have moved forward. Instead, I was only assigned a caseworker last week, and I’m now being told it may take another two months. I’ve had a disability attorney (a good one) from the beginning, but even with representation, these timelines can’t be accelerated.

In January I contacted my congressman’s office, and they submitted a formal inquiry to the Social Security Administration on my behalf. I received confirmation that the inquiry was filed and that federal agencies request up to 30 business days for an initial response — sometimes longer in Denton. So that process is moving, but it is slow.

The December benefit show carried me through rent cycles and basic bills. I hoped it would bridge the gap until disability began. It didn’t reach that far.

I am still in remission — the longest stretch so far — and I remain grateful for that. But the side effects continue. The shoulder damage is real. The infections are still being monitored, but more rare. The surgeries are still ahead of me. Pain management has become a real trick. I am managing, but I am not yet stable.

I don’t enjoy asking. I’ve never been comfortable with it. But I am still in a position where I need help to keep rent current and my whittled budget while I wait for disability to process.

If you are able to help, I’m grateful. If you’ve helped before, thank you. If you can’t give, sharing this makes a difference.

I will continue to post updates as things move.

Venmo is available at @baptistgenerals.

GoFundMe remains active, though occasionally transfers are delayed for reasons I don’t fully understand.

Thank you for sticking with me through this.

Chris