Hi, Friend!

I'm having much-needed surgery soon. Since 2019, I’ve been in need of a hip replacement and have been isolated. In March 2020, I was only 15 pounds away from the required surgical weight, but Covid happened, and all elective surgeries were canceled. Over these 5 years, my weight has fluctuated as my mobility became restrictive and painful. I've been working to get my health back, and now I’m 20 pounds away from the goal! I'm expecting my surgery to take place in October or November--just a few months away!

I was laid off from a job I had for 20 years, and without mobility, it's impossible for me to find a new fully remote job in Customer Support. The pandemic forced my employer to close our office, so I was working from home, then permanently laid off in September 2024. It's been extremely difficult to find a fully-remote job and impossible to attend in-person job retraining opportunities.

My unemployment has run out, and I now find myself in an “In Between,” -- I’m in between pre-Covid immobility and new-hip full mobility. I’m so close to being able to leave my unaffordable apartment, seek out employment in-person, rejoin the communities I’ve been part of for years, and get back to volunteering my time and energy.

I need your help! I'm at the end of my rope financially and so close to getting past the “In Between.” I was just approved for General Assistance and SNAP, but it covers less than half my rent, and I’m running behind on living expenses (electricity/water, garbage, cable/internet, phone). After receiving help from you, I will lose my benefits, so I'm also taking into account food costs.

My goal is $10,000 to meet my needs through December, and purchase medical equipment for pre- and post-surgical needs. If I find employment or have my surgery earlier, I will happily donate any unused funds to community charities. I would greatly appreciate your help in getting me back to a regular life again. I want to get back out into the world, help others, and enjoy life again!

Thank you so much!

Darrell "BearHug" Standring