My name is Marta MacQuarrie. I am 58 years old and have been dealing with a number of health problems for a number of years now. The past three years have been my most challenging. With diabetes, raynaud’s syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, anemia and now the added diagnosis of Vasculitis, well it is making working difficult.

Vasculitis is the narrowing or constricting of blood vessels and arteries. Begins as aches and pains and can end in stroke, blindness or death. Anemia is the blood not taking enough oxygen to everywhere in your body. So those two conditions in and of themselves are giving me a lot of pain. For the Vasculitis I have been prescribed several medications, one is a chemo drug, and the meds are taking their toll. My rheumatologist told me I would feel worse before I felt better, and she was right.

I am a Home Support Worker, working with Seniors. I love my job and my clients and it is hard when I am not able to help them. Over time, I have reduced work hours In fact, I have reduced from 12 days on and 2 days off (8 hrs shifts most of those days), to very part time to try and give my body some rest. Unfortunately, every morning is different, some days I can do things, but lately, more often than not, I can't. So I need to make this difficult decision to take a couple of months off work to recover.

With taking a couple of months off I will not be receiving a pay cheque and risk losing a lot. Donations received will be used towards living expenses and bills that would otherwise be paid by my pays. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You.