Aitch (Sarah) and PI in Dstress

A good friend finally convinced me to do this. With everyone suffering right now, and already trying to raise money for Rose, I really don’t want to ask for help for myself, but it I guess it is time  

During the 8 1/2 years that my daughter (Patty) was being treated for cancer, it was very difficult to find and keep a job. I worked temp jobs when I could. Some employers would hire me, knowing the situation, and saying they were fine with working around her appointments and emergencies, only to determine that I was “not a good fit” once they discovered what her needs actually entailed. One even called while we were in the hospital to let me go. Because I was never able to work in one place long enough, or earned enough, I did not quality for unemployment.

While people were generous with help for Patty, that was just that; FOR PATTY. It was not for my bills or rent or anything that I personally needed. Some were to make sure we could eat while she was in treatment, but not a penny of those funds was spent on me. Even those donations dropped off after the first year, and I started making up the difference out of my own funds. Almost all of the travel expenses,food, entertainment for Patty, her clothing, her needs that were not covered by insurance, and many other things were paid for by me after 2013. 

I burned through my savings by 2015, then Patty and I started living on my credit cards when I could not earn enough.

 The Pennsic Independent was solvent until this year. No Pennsic meant no paper and no revenue. The income from that always paid for her bills and her debt. There are always expenses, even if we cannot publish. So storage and internet fees had to go on credit cards, and credit card payments have come out of my pocketbook.

 I am drowning in this debt now, with no life raft. Even the credit help programs cost more than I can pay each month. I’ve just now finally gotten a job that will cover my monthly bills, but it still will not cover minimum payments.

My van, while in good shape, is very old. It gets poor mileage and requires a lot of care to keep it in good shape. I need a less expensive mode of transportation, but cannot afford another loan.

 I am so sorry that I am asking for so much. There is nothing that can replace what I’ve lost. At this point, it is just doing whatever has to be done in order to wake up every morning and do it again. I am ashamed that I have gotten into such a mess and should have found some way to do better. I’ve always been the one who was able to help, and feel ashamed to be asking. My friend thinks getting out from under the debt that has accumulated for so many years will help relieve some burden. I hope he is right.

If you can, please help.