Hello, my name is MJ Clark.

On August 22nd, I was riding my scooter home from work through the lovely (but let’s be real, rough) streets of New Orleans. While trying to avoid a manhole, I hit it head on. The impact completely ruptured my ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and tore my ALL (Anterolateral Ligament). Both are crucial for stability and movement — making views for the long-term on being well, difficult.

If you know me, you know I wear many hats:

Preschool teacher at Nurture Nursery

Bartender at Latrobe’s on Royal

Nanny to several amazing little ones

Youth Empowerment Chair for Black Pride NOLA

Founder of Where the Femmes Frolick, a new membership club uplifting queer women and building community in New Orleans

Physical movement is central to all the work I do — caring for kids, serving, organizing, and creating safe spaces for others. That’s why the past month of learning to walk again pre-surgery has been one of the hardest seasons of my life.

Even with insurance, I was against surgery, but my physical therapist discussed with me the long term effects of not having both ligaments and years later, have more potential issues. I also worried about being under anesthesia for so long, the long recovery time, and — hardest of all — having to depend on others when I’m used to doing everything myself. Recovery looks like:

Surgery - November 2025 then 3 weeks off work (minimum)

6 weeks in a full leg brace

Up to 9 months of healing and physical therapy

As I shared my situation with my community, many suggested crowdfunding. So here I am — asking for support with rent, utilities, and transportation to physical therapy during recovery.

My Goal:

min $3,000 – covers rent and utilities for 3 months

max

$5,000 – helps with additional needs like phone bill, transportation, toiletries, and other essentials from December–February

I’ll also have a meal train during recovery for those who prefer to support in that way: https://mealtrain.com/gz29k8

This injury has forced me to slow down, but I know I don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re able to contribute, share, or send love my way — I am deeply grateful.

Thank you so much,

MJ