My name is Diane M. Grassi and this is a glimpse into my story. Please also view my GoFundMe video. Thank you!

I never imagined that it could come to this:

I have severe, systemic arthritis, also known which includes End-stage arthritis, and inflammatory disease which has enabled the destruction and ongoing deterioration of my joints in my spine, hips, knees, hands and arms which created nerve damage in my lower back, legs, arms and hands. It has been a crippling time for many, many years, starting as a young adult.

This is not an arthritis which creeps up on the aged, but rather has been progressing throughout my adulthood. Had I not been an athletically active youngster, I believe that I would not have made it this far. I have also suffered from Crohn's disease most of my life and severe osteoporosis, even as a young adult as its result.

Due to my disability and now other health related debilitating problems, I had to give up my career years ago as a para-professional in the field of law, and my graduate studies in law school. I have for a time, been able to maintain my health to a degree with orthopedic surgeries, physical therapies of various modalities and medications, but unfortunately at great expense both financially and physically.

However, I have now reached a point that without more surgeries, physical therapies and ongoing regular medical care, that I will no longer be able to live as an independent person with any resources to speak of. Due to my inability to be physically able to earn income and no longer able to contribute to a retirement fund for many years, I was at least able to squeak by on my savings. But as time and medical expenses have eaten them away, I am now having extreme difficulty paying for any of my living expenses, as my financial resources are quickly drying up.

I am now a single senior adult, but who has always relied upon myself. I do not have any family who can help me either financially or as a care-giver. However, I am very proud that my resilience, perseverance and mental fortitude have allowed me to come this far. I have maintained a good attitude my entire life, which has been of great benefit. But practically speaking can take you only so far.

However, unless one is made practically indigent, in these times, are there available social services available to me. Other than a small Social Security income, never fully realized as it was frozen when when I went on disability long ago, that remains my only source of income. Disability benefits are your future Social Security benefits, but frozen in time in the amount of a premature retirement benefit, the date Disability starts. When retirement age is reached, benefits are not adjusted or retroactively credited to what they would normally have been at retirement age.

But my goal and need is to keep going, as best I can, otherwise my general health will also continue to decline. I do not intend to become anyone's burden, nor waste away in a hospital/nursing home setting. My goal is to remain a productive member of society, but I need financial help in order to continue to live and to maintain some kind of quality of life. I have never asked anyone for financial help before and feel terrible to have to do so, but my life will depend upon doing so.

I have given my best efforts every day of my life, no matter how much physical pain or practical challenges each day presents. That is the only way I know. Giving up is not an option. And I am determined to make use of whatever of my talents that remain feasible, to remain a viable, responsible human being.

I do not believe that we ever stop learning if we have that desire. And I have gotten to learn a great deal and to expand my mind far beyond that which I ever expected. My journey is not yet over and that with your help, hopefully it will be able to continue.

I will be more than glad to provide my career history, medical history or more specifics which you may require.

Thank you.

Graciously,

Diane M. Grassi