Hello friends and family,

So many of you helped me during the days of my breast cancer treatment and its aftermath, back in the 2016-2017 era. I am back to ask for help again, but not because of my health.

I'll be completely direct--I'm broke, and need financial assistance.

It turns out I'm the old(ish) lady who is trying to live on my Social Security only. In the past months I've been using the food bank for staples. I've considered bankruptcy (and am still considering it.) I've thought about living in my car--turns out lots of seniors do. My car is my only asset, besides my personal belongings.

What happened? I will fully admit to making some bad financial decisions in the past, but my life post-cancer is where things really started falling apart.

I turned 65 during treatment, and took Social Security early because I was physically unable to work then. Afterwards, I had some freelance writing work, but found myself up against ageism, and then Covid. By the time things settled down, I had exhausted my savings and was living off my credit cards. And I couldn't find any work at all. At 70, then 71, and now 72, I can't say I'm surprised that my resume isn't speaking to hiring pros.

I'm divorced, and there's no partner in the picture. My parents are gone and in any case weren't wealthy--there was very little left when my mom died in 2015.

It feels that every time I start to get on my feet, a wave comes and knocks me back down again.

I'm incredibly embarrassed to say that I am in a panic about the future and I'm just as embarrassed that I haven't been able to find my way out of this situation on my own.

I'm happy to answer any questions about my health, physical capabilities, and anything else. (I am still cancer-free, as far as anyone knows. And I have an empathetic landlord who has been flexible about rent payments.)

I'm working on my outstanding debt with a credit counseling company, but I need about $1,000 a month more than I am bringing in to make ends meet.

I don't really know how to end this other than to say, thanks for reading and considering this appeal.

Much love,

Kate