Hello, my name is Steve Stanley. I’ve been working as a pedicab operator since 2008 and have spent more than half of those years traveling and working across the country. I love my job and the community I have built doing it, but being self employed has its drawbacks when times get tough.

In late 2023, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a dilation in one of my heart valves. At the time, surgery wasn’t required, but unfortunately the dilation has since progressed to the point that I now need a valve replacement.

During a hospital stay in Chicago this past September, the doctors made it clear that this surgery needs to happen as soon as possible. Recovery will require me to be out of work for 4–6 weeks, followed by several months of physical therapy before I can return to pedicabbing. During this time I will have no income.

I have been doing everything I can to save money and prepare, especially since my significant other is also battling stage 4 cancer. Despite our best efforts, we’re facing a period where our resources may not be enough to get us through.

I’m humbly asking for financial assistance to help support us during this difficult time - covering basic living expenses while I recover and while we both navigate these serious health challenges.

Any help you can give, no matter the amount, means more than I can say. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting us through this chapter of our lives.