Hello Community! I write this to you with a heavy heart, and a heavy brace. Asking for help is not my MO, and I hope you’ll find some grace for me as I engage in a kind of vulnerability I am not used to needing to access.

On July 17th, 2025 my life changed. I fell down outside of a local coffee shop, and couldn’t get back up. I had a deep, swelling pain in my knee that made it impossible to bend. After a trying trip to the ER and a visit with the orthopedic surgeon I learned that I dislocated my kneecap and tore the ligament that connects my kneecap to my femur. This has resulted in a life full of pain, the inability to walk, work, or engage in the life I had built for myself.

I have spent the last three and a half months in different versions of mobility; going up and down stairs is impossible, and moving around the restaurant was a no go. I have not been able to receive any benefits because of the slowing of the system, and now a complete government shut down. I have moved out of my apartment, 22 steps up and 3 steps down into the bathroom, and am now living with my mother. I have been incredibly privileged to have such a deeply caring, compassionate, and attentive family and support group to aid me in this time.

On October 21st, 2025 I had ligament reconstruction surgery and a loose body removal. I am completely immobile for the next six weeks, and my recovery process will take around six months before I am back to full mobility. With my healthcare team in place, I should be able to return to daily life by April of 2026, which is an incredibly long time from now.

We all know the American healthcare system is a failure. I have been the victim of incompetence within the system, queerphobia, and frankly - it’s running my pockets. So far, my medical bills have skyrocketed past $10,000 (not even including surgery!) - none of which I have the ability to work to pay off.

Your donation will go toward a myriad of things to help keep me stable, safe & secure; including but not limited to:

* Support with medical bills, doctors visits, medication, mental health therapy and physical therapy

* Transportation to and from my many medical appointments

* Food, toiletries, and other items necessary for daily living (especially Diet Coke)

* Other related costs that my family has been carrying since my injury.

I’m asking humbly, from my darkest moment, for any amount you can spare to aid in my wellness. I have spent over half of my life fighting deeply for this community - whether it was coordinating distributions, standing on the front lines, growing & giving away free food, teaching the youth, or working in social justice theatre. I hope if I, or my work, have ever made an impact on your life you will consider donating. I promise once I am able, I will pay it forward a million times over.

I have an immense amount of gratitude you’ve made it this far, and thank you for your time. If donating financially is not available to you right now, please reach out to me as I have many areas of need!

Thank you, and in service to you always -

Simone Bernadette