Writing this story is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do . The pain of asking for help is almost as bad as my physical pain - which is agonizing. (Also it is very ironic that a hacked letter went out a few weeks ago, saying I was in Spain and needed help. That was fake - this is real.

In June of 2014 I fell a fractured my femur. I had surgery to put in a stainless steel plate above my knee. All went well, and after 3 months I could walk fairly normally and was on my way back to my normal walking routine of several miles per day.

Then the nightmare began. On November 15th, in downtown Sacramento, a distracted driver ran a red light and broadsided me on the passenger side. Both airbags deployed explosively and the windshield cracked as my car was shoved diagonally across 8th St. eventually stopping at an angle to the corner, partially blocking the Light Rail Line. It felt like a bomb going off inside my car. I was terrified that I was going to die. It was the most frightening experience of my life. Thankfully there were witnesses and the driver was cited by the police. I was taken by ambulence to the ER with chemical burns and swelling to my face.

Aside from severe soft tissue damage from my neck to my low back, my femur was fractured again, just above the plate. I had to have the first plate removed and replaced with a longer one. (oh, I had an emergency gall bladder surgery in August as well.) That was 9 months ago. Unfortunately, the bone has not healed well and I am facing a surgery to remove the second plate on December 21st. My holidays this year being spent in St. Francic Hospital in San Francisco followed up at a rehab unit. (To be determined.).

This last 18 months have derailed my life. Walking every day was so important to me and my dog Zelda. At the moment, I can only walk about a block using a walker.
My medical expenses are bankrupting me and as of January, 2016, I'll be having difficulty paying my rent. Thankfully the other driver had good insurance. If I am able, I would like to reimburse anyone who is able to help me. If you have any questions, please call me at (415) [phone redacted].

The relief of not constantly worrying about money would allow me to heal so much faster, avoid having to move in the midst of recuperation, and  help
relieve the overwhelming stress and anxiety brought on by this accident.

I cannot thank you enough for considering a donation or loan. I can only end by saying many blessings and a Happy New Year.

Oceans of Love,
Elizabeth Cousineau Mariani