When I was a little girl, I used to stomp my feet and say, "Own self!" when someone tried to help me; I'm still determined to make this life by my own self, but I find that I'm in a place where I need to ask for some support - where I need to be independent, but not alone.

 Earlier this year, I was assaulted by an ex-partner and required emergency medical care. I was able to get myself to an in-network ER, but I was not informed that the doctor that night was contracted and therefore out-of-network for my insurance. As a result, my insurance company refuses to pay for the many x-rays, stitches and pain care medications that I needed that night.

Aside from heartbreak and fear left over from the assault, I am left with nearly $2700 worth of medical expenses that I simply cannot pay and a billing company threatening to send me to collections.

 As I've been healing, I've forged ahead on my own with making a new life for myself in New Mexico. I currently teach in a program that serves as an alternative to jail for troubled 7th - 12th graders, and I rent my guest trailer on Airbnb nearly every night to supplement my small salary. 

Whether it's stubborn determination or just plain stubbornness, I am not ready to give up my New Mexico dream to domestic violence, and certainly not to a greedy insurance company. Any financial assistance will go directly to paying my substantial medical debt so that I can continue to access the resources that I need to stay on my feet.

With my deepest gratitude for every bit of love and beauty and grace you all have shown me, 

Amy