In March of 2023, I had an emergency surgery to remove necrotic tissue that left me with what was supposed to be a temporary colostomy site. I was technically eligible for reversal by September, but I've been unable to save enough money to take the time off work.

I've developed a hernia that caused an ever-worsening prolapse, making it harder and harder to work. Last month, I needed painful medical intervention to manually manipulate the intestine back into my abdomen.

The doctor told me in no uncertain terms I can no longer delay my reversal surgery because the prolapse *will* continue, even something as small as a sneeze can cause it to pop out again. When that happens, blood flow could become compromised, causing tissue to go necrotic again.

My main source of income is cleaning and stocking shelves at various grocery stores, which requires heavy lifting that I can no longer do because of the prolapse.

I need to raise enough money to pay one month's rent in advance, settle a severely overdue electric bill, pay the internet bill and hire a pet sitter for the 4/5 days I'll be in the hospital. Barring any complications, my total recovery time should be about two weeks before I can go back to work, but I need to be prepared in case it's longer than that.

I'm barely surviving as it is because I'm not working enough, and my landlord is not going to tolerate continued late payments. Getting this surgery so I can start working more is the only way I'm going to get out of this hole.

If you've read this far, thank you. Even if you can't donate, I'd be very grateful if you could share this.