Hi, my name is Eli, and I'm a transgender, non-binary nurse. Asking for help does not come easily for me, but I'm hoping that opening up about my struggles may allow me to reach the community in a way I desperately need right now.

I ended up having to take time off from my job due to a major trauma-related workplace injury. Since then, I have been diagnosed with PTSD and have been receiving treatment. I was initially told to apply for short-term disability through my insurance company, but then I was told that was wrong and I should have been on WSIB. They covered me until WSIB took over my claim on September 1st, 2025.

Between being thrown around between short-term disability and workers' comp, my short-term disability insurance company has told me I owe them $2600 by October 15th, 2025, which I really cannot afford.

In addition to this, I've been struggling to pay my bills due to loss of income, and put food on the table, and have been using the food bank since August 2025.

Helping me out would allow me to keep food in my stomach while navigating this financial crisis, and allow me to keep a roof over my head, and continue getting the treatment I need for PTSD, which is being offered through workers' comp.