Funds will be used to pay my living and medical expenses for the next 8-9 months or so, until my Disability Case is appealed

For most of my life, I was an upbeat, happy person, always cheering people up. I used to perform stand-up comedy for years; I was good at it. Making people laugh is my favorite thing to do in the world. I haven't been able to do that in years, because it's hard to write jokes when you're miserable and heartbroken. Asking others to help myself is so foreign to me, even though I gravely need it. I never push my drama onto others because I know that everyone has their own problems in life and I don't want to be a burden. I’ve always been the guy that helps others out. I didn’t do it for recognition or because I expected something in return, I did it because it made me feel good.

My sincerity and dynamic personality earned me many friends growing up. When people meet me, they remember me. When I entered a room in a social situation, people would shout my name, like Norm from Cheers. I’ve been invited to around 50 weddings, attended over 30, including 3 in one day! I’ve stood up in 10 of those nuptials, including being Best Man twice!

Unfortunately, the last few years haven't been as remarkable. I'm facing numerous health issues, including an Occipital Stroke, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Type 2 Diabetes, Spinal Fusion, Hypertension, and, most recently, I had a toe and part of my left foot amputated. I am in danger of losing my entire left foot, as I have a cut that has gotten worse and am currently seeing a specialist about this. I filed a NYS Disability claim back in July 2023 for my health issues; it has taken MUCH longer than anticipated.

My claim was denied. It is currently waiting for an appeal. Since I filed, I learned that it is extremely difficult to have a disability claim approved if you are under 50, regardless of your health condition. This process is lengthy, and will take a year, maybe more. I am unable to work but still have bills. My monthly expenses are around $1600. I need around 10-12 months' worth of funds to support myself until my Disability claim gets appealed. That's $18000 total to keep me stable while I wait for the appeal. I am also facing eviction, as I got a 90-day eviction notice around Thanksgiving. They want me out by February 28. I'm also dealing with that. I plan on fighting the eviction, at least until my Foot injury is healed, as I don't want to stop key treatment for a few weeks or months while I find a new doctor wherever I end up living.

I have a lot on my plate, and I have nowhere to turn. My parents are no longer with us, as are 3 members of my inner circle of friends, who I would normally turn to in times of need, I am in a very rough spot financially. This is the direst financial situation of my life. In addition, my car is 5000 miles over for an oil change and something is dragging from underneath, I hear it when I drive. I can't afford any car repairs, so I'm hoping it's not something major. At any rate, I need to fix it, because I need a vehicle to drive a 2 hour round trip, to my frequent doctor appointments. I have 12!! Doctors, so you can imagine a vehicle is imperative to keep up with my constant medical care.

I have encountered much tragedy, to my body, heart and mind, that have derailed my once-promising life, left me lost, and hopeless, fearful for a future that was once bright. I have always put others before me, sacrificed my needs and happiness for others, just to put a smile on their faces. Unfortunately, I now seek your help, so I can survive. I want to be able to dream again, prepare for the future, live my life, instead of constantly worrying about how Im going to survive another day, how I'm going to get to my next doctor appointment, where Im going to sleep. I'm not asking for a lot, whatever you can afford. It will put a smile on my face, like all those times I made you smile and laugh whenever we hung out. I want to get back to being the upbeat, positive jokester I have always been, not the depressing cynical shadow of myself that I have been reduced too. I thank you for your time.

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