Praying for a miracle to overcome
Donation protected
My name is Heidi Summers, I am a single mother of two amazing daughters. I've worked for my company for 9 years as a radiographer (industrial x-ray tech). Yes, I wear steele toes to work, and I work like a man, but it pays the bills, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work where I do.
Before November 2014 I'd say I worked an average of 50-65 hours a week to provide for my daughters and myself. Holidays, my birthday, I was always at work. I am a very proud woman, that has always taken pride in the fact that I have supported my daughters, and myself, on my own. That's why this is so very hard for me to do. So here's why I am asking for help.
In November of 2014 I began having chronic migraines. Multiple x-rays , MRI's, and tests later... There proved to be some substantial damage to my neck, and back. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
In my neck, I have arthritis, chronic muscle spasms, bulging discs, and a condition called occipital neuralgia (which causes chronic migraines) an issue with the nerves in my neck.
In my lower back, I have a herniated disc, cracked vertebrate, and arthritis.
I have tried many treatments: physical therapy, acupuncture, bio feedback, occipital nerve blocks, different medications, natural medicines etc.
I've spent over 2,000$ out of pocket on co-pays alone, since Jan 1st.
I've concluded I'll continue getting the occipital nerve blocks for my migraines (the biggest reason I had been missing work.) physical therapy, acupuncture, and meditation, along with medications, I think I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In addition to the medical co-pays, I had missed alot of work, in the process of trying to find a resolution, and have fallen quite behind on the basic necessities (Rent and utilities)
My landlord who has been very understanding, and lenient because of the history with my strong work ethic, is at her wits end. The money I'm asking for, would be going to her to cover the amount I am behind (I also pay my utilities to her) water, electric etc.
Unfortunately, since working alot of overtime isn't an option anymore, catching up is nearly impossible.
There are not any programs that help the working class. I've called numerous places.
So here I am, pride completely set aside, asking for help to get myself back on my feet.. This is my last hope. I figure its worth a try. At the very worst. I'll just look foolish. I've realized that it takes alot of strength to ask for help. It's been a very humbling 6 months. Without the help of some stellar friends, and my mother. My daughters and I would've gone hungry.... Literally.... Yes, it's been that bad.
I'm a very private person, so not many people outside of doctors, work, family and close friends have known of my struggle. But the amount that I need to get back on my feet, is too much for me to ask for help with from any one person. Empathy, breeds compassion and understanding. Please don't judge me, but I'm not sure what else to do.
Sincerely,
A working class single mother struggling to hold it together.
Before November 2014 I'd say I worked an average of 50-65 hours a week to provide for my daughters and myself. Holidays, my birthday, I was always at work. I am a very proud woman, that has always taken pride in the fact that I have supported my daughters, and myself, on my own. That's why this is so very hard for me to do. So here's why I am asking for help.
In November of 2014 I began having chronic migraines. Multiple x-rays , MRI's, and tests later... There proved to be some substantial damage to my neck, and back. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
In my neck, I have arthritis, chronic muscle spasms, bulging discs, and a condition called occipital neuralgia (which causes chronic migraines) an issue with the nerves in my neck.
In my lower back, I have a herniated disc, cracked vertebrate, and arthritis.
I have tried many treatments: physical therapy, acupuncture, bio feedback, occipital nerve blocks, different medications, natural medicines etc.
I've spent over 2,000$ out of pocket on co-pays alone, since Jan 1st.
I've concluded I'll continue getting the occipital nerve blocks for my migraines (the biggest reason I had been missing work.) physical therapy, acupuncture, and meditation, along with medications, I think I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In addition to the medical co-pays, I had missed alot of work, in the process of trying to find a resolution, and have fallen quite behind on the basic necessities (Rent and utilities)
My landlord who has been very understanding, and lenient because of the history with my strong work ethic, is at her wits end. The money I'm asking for, would be going to her to cover the amount I am behind (I also pay my utilities to her) water, electric etc.
Unfortunately, since working alot of overtime isn't an option anymore, catching up is nearly impossible.
There are not any programs that help the working class. I've called numerous places.
So here I am, pride completely set aside, asking for help to get myself back on my feet.. This is my last hope. I figure its worth a try. At the very worst. I'll just look foolish. I've realized that it takes alot of strength to ask for help. It's been a very humbling 6 months. Without the help of some stellar friends, and my mother. My daughters and I would've gone hungry.... Literally.... Yes, it's been that bad.
I'm a very private person, so not many people outside of doctors, work, family and close friends have known of my struggle. But the amount that I need to get back on my feet, is too much for me to ask for help with from any one person. Empathy, breeds compassion and understanding. Please don't judge me, but I'm not sure what else to do.
Sincerely,
A working class single mother struggling to hold it together.
Organizer and beneficiary
Heidi Spring Summers
Organizer
Portland, OR
Carolyn Rolin
Beneficiary