Chris Mapes Medical & Personal Support 4 Respite

For those of you who don't know, I was injured falling thru a deck in July 2020 and the wound became infected in my lower left leg. This was during the Pandemic, and business was already taking a hit. I've had Mechanical Debridement surgery and have been in Woundcare for 22 months now; the problem became complicated and now it's referred to as a Venous Stasis Ulcer (circulation issues in the legs not allowing for better healing). For those of you in Healthcare, the wound's in Proliferation Stage with good granulation, going all the way around the lower leg from 16-22 cm; it was pretty deep to the fat tissue initially. There has always been a real pain issue, and I shouldn't and can't stand on my legs for more than a few hours; and doing ladders or alot of up-and-down stairs is a no-no.  But I don't put my Woes out there on Social Media 'cause that ain't my style; so acquaintances haven't known, and friends don't know the extent of my condition because I'm not a whiner, until now that is.

So I kept chuggin' along and attempted to keep working because I'm a Trooper, but it became apparent last Summer/Fall when a kitchen remodel took me three months when it should've taken one. My customer's a rare soul because he never complained. Since then I've had to turn down many Jobs, and for those of you who use my services, you know I haven't been available and may even have been dismissive to your inquiries. For that I apologize, but three days a week Woundcare is kinda bad for business. I never thought I'd be in this situation but here I am - it's been a slow trickle on my savings for almost 2 years - having to turn down some big jobs using ladders or up on a 3rd floor somewhere - that's what people don't get.  And you can't get reliable help these days!

However, I'm blessed with one of the best Doctors, despite the fact I don't have the best Insurance; he gives me a Good Prognosis and says I just need six months of COMPLETE respite involving Compression and Elevation, but progress has been slow due to my stubborn need to pay the light bill etc. A month ago, I had a scare when my right leg was developing a smaller wound issue; and I exacerbated it pretty bad, bumping it while doing a Job I should NOT have been doing. I can't work anymore, and accepting that is NOT hard for me to do now. My Mom used to say, "Let go and let God."

So while I wait for the Medical Review for temporary SS Disability (which they've said could take 6 months), I'm soliciting this Support for my household expenses until then. The Goal Amount is just for 6 months of basic bills: I'm single and don't have a Mortgage, but a Property Tax Payment Plan, Utilities and Insurance, etc. I begin receiving Food Assistance soon, and have other options for assistance but none currently in-pocket. Folks who know me KNOW that I don't like to ask for help and find it difficult to do so, and with the Hope of the Doctor's Prognosis, this IS a temporary hurdle that I will overcome; and I'll be back doing the work I love. All I have is my hands.

Finally, I've asked for a lot of advice before going forward with this; and I've done this Fundraiser not expecting mere acquaintances to respond but would be happy for any support, no matter the amount. Frankly, I find this kind of tacky and embarrassing; and maybe selfish in light of what's going on in Buffalo, Texas and Tulsa.  But I'm in a Tough Spot, and do this as platform to share this link in and out of Facebook, to Friends and even Customers; and in hopes that you would kindly share this link to friends in and out of Facebook. One last word is that I'm okay with anonymous donations and would almost prefer that - other than I wouldn't know who to thank and be grateful to. I don't know. For my Customers, I can't make promises or predict the future though my Hope is high; but I'd consider any Support as Advance and Consideration towards future Work. Let me thank you for your time, thoughts and concerns. That's all.