Hi, my name is Chelsea and I am writing this because I have reached a breaking point.

Recently, a severe mental health crisis forced me to take an emergency medical leave of absence. While necessary for my survival, this leave is completely unpaid. I went from working full-time to having zero income overnight. I have always lived paycheck to paycheck, and without a safety net I am now terrified of losing my home.

To complicate matters, my physical health is fragile. I was born with a genetic mutation (AFAP/APC3) that puts me at much higher risk for cancer. I already had my colon removed to save my life, and I require specialized, invasive monitoring at the Mayo Clinic and my local GI department to ensure I don’t develop stomach cancer in the future.

Because of a clerical error by my employer, my health insurance has been in jeopardy. I am facing hundreds to thousands of dollars in medical bills and arrears just to keep the coverage I need for therapy, medications, and cancer screenings. I've also been quoted thousands of dollars for a treatment program, even with insurance.

I am already carrying debt from a devastating period in 2022/2023 when I lost my father and my dog (my first and only child) to cancer within months of each other. I used everything I had to care for them, and I have been trying to dig my way out ever since. This loss of income is just another blow.

I am asking for your help to cover rent, utilities, and health insurance premiums so I can focus on healing without the looming threat of eviction. Currently, I don't even have money for rent let alone basic bills for February. I want nothing more than to stabilize and stand on my own two feet again.

Any amount you'd be willing to donate would be greatly appreciated, no matter how small. If you can't donate, if you could please share this with others I would highly appreciate that as well. If you happen to be a Hennepin County employee with extra PTO hours, you can also donate that to me if that's easier.

Thank you very much for reading, sharing, and helping me get through this.