Financial and health crisis - need your help!

My name is Debra, and I’m a 64-year-old real estate agent. I live with my fiancé, Tavi, who is a software engineer, and his adult son with Asperger. His son is a smart and kind young man who loves video games and helping others. We are a close-knit family that supports each other through thick and thin. Sadly, we are in a desperate situation that compels me to ask for help for the first time in my life.

We have run out of money, and we have no choice but to sell our home during Xmas in a market that is slowing down. We are now just days away from being 30 days late on our mortgage and equity line. The potential damage to our credit could be devastating when we move and look for new housing. We have worked hard to build our life together and contribute to the world and my real estate profession by creating a company that is building an innovative A.I. software solution that we hope to launch someday. But right now, we need to focus on our survival.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit us hard. Tavi is at high risk for COVID due to his multiple health issues. I had to limit my real estate work to keep us safe. Our savings have since run out, and we can no longer keep up with our bills.

Tavi suffers from a rare form of narcolepsy with cataplexy, which means he can fall asleep at any time and anywhere. He also has hypersensitivity to his environment, an airway disorder, no circadian rhythm, seizures, asthma, high blood pressure, and back problems. He needs regular naps, a CPAP machine, special food, supplements, and medical care to manage his condition. He recently had knee replacement surgery for his severe osteoarthritis and bone tumors. He still needs surgery for his other knee. During his recovery, he had a severe allergic reaction to painkillers that caused him to break out in hives and have trouble breathing for weeks.

To make matters worse, Tavi lost both his parents in the past year. We couldn’t afford to fly to his dad’s funeral this past week. We are heartbroken and exhausted. Still, we do our best every day to make lemonade out of lemons.

We are asking for help for the first time in our lives. We need help paying our mortgage and living expenses. Even with your support, we must sell our home to get through this difficult time and get back on track with our finances and our health. We are grateful for any amount you can give. Every dollar counts and makes a difference. Please also share our story with your friends and family. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. You are giving us hope and a chance to overcome this crisis.