For most of you who don't know our story, (& for those of you who say they don't look sick, the picture above is not recent, this was maybe 15 years ago before BOTH of us got sick.)

For years, Jessica has been sick, hid it well, and kept it from friends and family. No one could imagine the pain on a daily basis that she deals with. The doctors (and she's been to so many over the years) have said there's not much more they can do; she will have to live with the god-awful pain and suffering daily for the rest of her life & in hopes that medication eases the pain. It does not. She is bedridden and can barely move. Her condition is getting worse, and her body is deteriorating.

As for Ruben, he also, in the past couple of years, has become severely sick and almost died last year due to a life-threatening illness that many are not aware of. He has dealt with health scares off and on since and is now permanently disabled as of a year ago. Ruben has been the only income for his family. It's him, Jessica, and 2 older kids that live with them and try to help, but it's just really hard right now. Their monthly income barely covers the rent, and they have been struggling for months to make ends meet, especially getting food on the table and keeping utilities on. A monthly check from social security is not enough to feed, pay bills, and rent.

We have come to desperate measures and ask anyone to please, if you can, help them with bills and food. There have been days when there's no food or only one meal they eat. We tried food banks and reaching out for help, but there's nothing. Food banks now only give fruit and veggies, and that's a small bag and not enough.

Our plea is, please help. Utilities are behind, rent's due, and we need food money. If you know us and want to help in person, even a grocery store gift card for a store around us would be great. Please, if you can afford to help, it would mean the world to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and God bless.