It's been tough with emergencies this year. Right as Alex and I bought a house to start a new chapter in our lives back in a Tucson-- to start a PhD, fertility treatments--life decided to throw some punches.

In September 2024, I was hit by a semi-truck on my way to urgent care for a work-related incident, where I was bit by a student. Beyond a totaled car, this accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury that really disrupted my life. Even now, almost a year later, I am still in treatment for the visual processing, pain, trauma, and executive functioning deficits. I'm making progress in my cognitive, occupation, physical, and visual therapies--but we still have a ways to go. While I am hopeful to be able to start the PhD and finish strong, I am having to navigate a return to the University of Arizona with a different brain and need for accomodations.

Now, this weekend, our dear boy Freddie had to be taken to the hospital for an extended stay after two days of not eating. He will be needing a feeding tube placement while we continue diagnostic treatment to avoid any damage to his liver.

We truly hate to ask, but these punches knocked us off our feet. Having spent our savings on the move to Tucson, an ill-timed and life-changing accident and subsequent medical debt accrued, and a costly and ongoing pet emergency, we find ourselves in a vulnerable position, especially with a hefty pay-decrease that comes with being a graduate student after being a practicing SLP. If you are able to pitch in to lighten the load, just a bit, we'd be so grateful. Even sharing would be a great help.

Respectfully and humbly,

Genesis and Alex