Cardiac Recovery: A Car for New Beginnings

It is very hard for me to ask for help. But here I go.

I am recovering well from several years of multiple illnesses, including most recently cardiac surgery in January. This followed several other cardiac and neurological issues, poisoning, and hospitalization from living in a contaminated rental home during the pandemic. I lost my driver's license during these times, which I recovered last year.

Now it's time to recover from very significant financial loss. Back to work.

I started working part-time last July for Fairfax County. Now it's time to work full-time. In Annandale, VA, that means getting a car.

I've been studying up on used cars for the past several months. I only need a car to drive locally . Look what I just found for $4998 -- a 2004 Volvo S40 with only 69,561 miles on it! I spoke with the dealer. It is still available.

I now work 14 hrs. a week at the Wakefield Senior Center in Annandale/Springfield. That opens up other opportunities with the county -- and the need for a car. Commuting by Lyft/Uber can be up to $50/day, and WMATA bus/rail is generally 60-75 mins. each way. Walking is mostly impractical in this heat with my health issues. So an inexpensive car is the best choice.

Volvos are dependable as they age. They tend to be underpriced, according to my research. So this car is an outstanding value.

I am asking through GoFundMe for help. I can't get financing as things stand. I can gratefully accept a gift or am happy to pay you back over at most a 10-month period if you donate. That would save me my current 36% interest on $8000 in debt, a hole I can't dig out of at my current income level.

I have an excellent on-time payment record but cannot make a dent in the principal leaving me stuck financially. Travel time on MetroBus/Rail can be 2 hours each way, which is health-wise impractical. The heat often makes walking impractical.

This (or a similar) car is ideal. My plan is to:

-- get an old reliable car

-- pay most or all in cash

-- pay cash for insurance, which will be 2-3x higher than for a younger, fully healthy person.

With a full-time income, the right car, and some help from my friends, I can get out of emergency mode and start being part of the world again.

With your help, I can:

-- pay you back over the next 10 months (principal), or more depending on my salary.

-- increase my income back to a workable level

-- pay down the debt mentioned above

-- get out of "emergency" mode and start living again.

I have job leads and contacts with the Fairfax County, a good resume from good job hunt coaching. I am reviving connections with colleagues. I am upgrading my LinkedIn as a base camp for job hunting. I also am starting a side business coaching people transitioning to entrepreneurship, but that won't generate money until 2026.

I made it through what I once thought would be the end. I am so grateful to everyone who held me in prayer or helped out in other ways. I could not have made it without you.

Once I have a full-time job, I will be back above the poverty line. This will create a new chapter in life after a very tough decade.

This car is the best one I have seen. I've spoken with the dealer and will be going to see it next week. I hope I can snag it!

Thank you for your consideration of helping me out. Please reach out if you want to discuss anything. May God bless you and hold you close.

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