For years, I've been living with a hernia that should have been repaired long ago. I was supposed to have surgery years ago, but two weeks before my scheduled operation, the Delta variant of COVID-19 hit and all non-essential surgeries were canceled. After that, I started a new job and had to wait three months for insurance. Once I finally had coverage, I needed to save up for time off, but just as I was making progress, our hotel was sold and the new company didn't offer insurance. I wasn't eligible for government healthcare, so I had to save for the full cost of surgery. Then, my catalytic converter blew up, and with another job change, my savings were wiped out and I went deep into debt. Despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to save enough for the surgery or the time off I need to recover.
The pain and limitations from my hernia have become a part of my daily life. I can't lift more than 25 pounds, which makes working and even simple tasks at home a struggle. The discomfort is constant, and it affects everything from my ability to exercise to just getting through the day. Using the restroom is a daily challenge—my intestines have shifted, making bowel movements nearly impossible and keeping myself clean a real challenge. Sometimes, I have to rush to the bathroom with no warning, and there are days when I have to clean up after myself or wash clothes because I misjudged the urgency. The hernia can harden and cause intense pain, sometimes feeling like it's crushing one of my testicles. This leaves me exhausted, and I've even dozed off while standing. At night, the discomfort wakes me up, forcing me to rush to the bathroom, and even sitting in my car is uncomfortable as I try to find a position that doesn't hurt.
I'm desperate for help. The funds from this fundraiser will help me finally get the surgery I need, cover my bills, and allow me to take the time off work I need to heal. If I can raise enough, I can finally focus on getting better without the constant worry about money or missing work. Any support—whether it's a donation or simply sharing my story—would mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering helping me on my journey to recovery.
The pain and limitations from my hernia have become a part of my daily life. I can't lift more than 25 pounds, which makes working and even simple tasks at home a struggle. The discomfort is constant, and it affects everything from my ability to exercise to just getting through the day. Using the restroom is a daily challenge—my intestines have shifted, making bowel movements nearly impossible and keeping myself clean a real challenge. Sometimes, I have to rush to the bathroom with no warning, and there are days when I have to clean up after myself or wash clothes because I misjudged the urgency. The hernia can harden and cause intense pain, sometimes feeling like it's crushing one of my testicles. This leaves me exhausted, and I've even dozed off while standing. At night, the discomfort wakes me up, forcing me to rush to the bathroom, and even sitting in my car is uncomfortable as I try to find a position that doesn't hurt.
I'm desperate for help. The funds from this fundraiser will help me finally get the surgery I need, cover my bills, and allow me to take the time off work I need to heal. If I can raise enough, I can finally focus on getting better without the constant worry about money or missing work. Any support—whether it's a donation or simply sharing my story—would mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering helping me on my journey to recovery.