Hello, my name is Kerry, and I never imagined I’d be in this situation asking for help.

After 15 years of marriage, my husband—who was also my caregiver and the Social Security payee responsible for handling my disability benefits—abandoned me without warning,

without transportation, and without the support I depend on daily to survive.

I am heartbroken, feeling betrayed and like I lost someone who has been my best friend for 18 years and can’t understand how anyone would do this to another person.

I’m also afraid, afraid of not having that sense of protection or assistance In event of injury or flare ups when I can’t even stand or walk because of the excruciating pain and swelling in my feet leaving me unable to even fit a sock on. Unfortunately that fear became a reality the other day after having a seizure and hitting my head while trying to empty dishwasher. I’m grateful I only ended up with a black eye and not a broken nose like I had in the past.

I live with permanent disabilities, seizures, and complex regional pain syndrome also known as “The Suicide Disease.”

How CRPS Affects My Daily Life

CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) is a neurological pain disorder that makes my nerves misfire—ordinary touch can feel like fire, and swelling and color/temperature changes can happen without warning.

• Severe, unpredictable pain: Flares can spike from manageable to unbearable in minutes. During flares I often can’t stand or walk and sometimes can’t even fit a sock on because of swelling.

• Mobility limits: Tasks like showering, dishes, or carrying groceries can trigger days-long setbacks. I need help with stairs, lifting, and anything that keeps me on my feet.

• Extreme sensitivity (allodynia): Light touch, clothing, or a breeze can feel like burning or stabbing.

• Temperature dependence: Heat or cold can trigger flares. Stable A/C and climate control are medically necessary, not a luxury.

• Sleep disruption & fatigue: Pain wakes me; lack of sleep worsens symptoms, slows healing, and makes daily tasks harder.

• Frequent medical care: Ongoing treatments (pain management, PT, injections/nerve blocks, imaging), plus meds

• Safety risks: Swelling, numbness, and pain spikes increase the risk of falls or injuries when I’m alone.

• Transportation barriers: I can’t drive, so every appointment requires paid rides or help.

• Emotional toll: Living with constant pain and uncertainty is exhausting and isolating, especially after being left without support.

I had gotten CRPS as a result of having almost 20 surgical procedures. (Both feet, ankles, both elbows, my right wrist (I’m right handed) 2 spinal fusions, and my face after injury from seizure)

I cannot drive, and I recently had a seizure that left me injured because no one was here to help.

My rent has only been paid through the end of September, and without immediate assistance I will face eviction and homelessness. On top of housing, I urgently need funds for:

• Rent & Housing Costs – to cover rent, first/last/security deposit if I’m forced to relocate.

• Legal Aid – to protect myself from eviction, address the misuse of my Social Security benefits, and secure my rights.

• Medical Care & Living Needs – medication, treatments, and basic essentials to maintain my health and safety.

I am setting a goal of $10,000 to stabilize my life and give me a safe foundation to rebuild from. Every dollar will go directly to housing, legal, and medical needs.

I always believed i could get through anything because I’ve already overcome so much but I was wrong. As I’m trying to figure out each day what I am supposed to do next I am simultaneously learning how to do things for the first time, realizing and trying to accept what limitations I do have and how to be “selful” as a friend called it.

Even now in the midst of all this chaos, confusion, heartbreak and fear I can’t help but to think how can I pay it forward and what I can do to help others once I overcome this.

How you can help:

• Donate if you’re able—no matter the size, it makes a difference.

• Share this campaign widely with friends, family, and networks.

• Keep me in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Your support means more than I can put into words. It is not easy for me to ask for help With your help, I can secure housing, get the legal protection I need, and stay safe as I navigate this overwhelming crisis.

Thank you for standing with me.

Kerry Kathleen Halk