December 10, 2014 Court had 3 strokes. He was not able to breathe on his own for a month and wasn't able to eat for 3 months. It's been a difficult recovery but he can walk with a cane. He has no use of his left hand or arm, has double vision and his vocal chords are partially paralized. 

I work full time. Court's PCA (personal care assistant) is here 5 1/2 hours a day Monday through Friday and helps him get to & from appointments, makes sure he doesn't fall at home while, helps him make phone calls, carries things for him at home (food, etc), helps him exercise, and helps Court around the apartment (feeding pets, cleaning, etc). Without PCA, Court is at home alone all day at risk of falling.

Here's where things get complicated and frustrating... Due to the amount Court paid into Social Security while working before he became disabled, he no longer receives SSI Disibility, he receives RSDI (Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance). RSDI is still from Social Security, and he receives the same amount, but it is considered income so he no longer qualifies for Medical Assistance (MA). MA covered PCA services 100%, the insurance he qualifies for now does not cover PCA services at all. 

We are appealing to the MN Department of Human Services but so far have not gotten PCA services covered.  Social Security does not change RSDI back to SSI Disibility. 

Since December 2016, on top of rent, bills, student loans, insurance premiums, copays and medications, we have been paying for PCA services out of pocket 3 days a week and have burned through our savings (which was for our wedding). We would love to have PCA 5 days a week again.

Any help is appreciated. We feel like Court is being punished for having a good work ethic, if he could work, he would. There's nothing he would love more. 

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our fundraisers before, and a special thank you to Taylor Bilotta for making the awesome video for us.