Hospitalizations, Broken Bones, Surgery, and the Necessity to Move (again). And now my car needs repairs and I need help!

Hi, my name is Melissa Stang. I'm a disabled 65 year old recovering from two recent hospitalizations in late April / May 2025: One for pneumonia and possible congestive heart failure, Then I also had surgery for a broken right hip and shattered pelvis (3rd break to my right hip!!)

The timing couldn't have been worse, as I was also being forced to move from my wonderful, safe, handicapped accessible apartment with extremely helpful friends and supportive neighbors. Why was I being forced to move? Because my lease was up for renewal and the family member who had co-signed the lease for me wanted off. Alone, I had to prove 2.5x the monthly rent in monthly income and I simply couldn't do that on SSDI. Additionally, I had to find an apartment, pack, and move all within a week while in pain, restricted to a wheelchair, recovering from surgery

Current Situation: So that's how I ended up in this roach infested shithole where bugs crawl all over me in bed, and crawl up my legs when I sit on the toilet. They come running when I prepare food, and hide in the microwave and toaster. The water smells like rotten eggs, the washer / dryer don't work properly. The bathroom / shower are handicap 'inaccessible'. (No ADA here.) Cops are always at this building, and my upstairs neighbors have constant domestic violence incidents. It's truly a charming location.

Shortly after I moved in, someone broke into my car, left a door ajar, and completely drained my battery. I also didn't realize it for a while, since I certainly wasn't driving anywhere post-surgery. When AAA arrived to tow the vehicle to a mechanic, we noticed that it was doing this crazy super-fast revving engine sound alternating with very slow idling. Driver said throttle felt 'sticky'.

Mechanics conclusion: Not only do I need a new battery, but I also need a new Idle Air Control Valve to correct the reving engine problem. Otherwise it is unsafe to drive. He tried cleaning the hoses and the existing part, but it didn't work. The idle did not reset to 'normal', indicating a faulty part. (This is a 2005 Honda Element.)

Total Repair Estimate: $ 1,100.00

C & G Automotive

1987 US-501, Myrtle Beach SC

Why I really need a car:

1) drive to medical appointments, of which there are many.

2) To take out my garbage, believe it or not. The complexes dumpster is about 4 bloacks away. It's not safe for me to schlep my garbage that distance via wheelchair or walker.

3) To evacuate in the event of a hurricane.