Hello,

My name is Jake, and I’m a 26 year old former firefighter/EMT. For as long as I can remember, my passion has been to help others. I started my career in emergency services at just 15 years old, dedicating my life to protecting and saving others. But today, I’m the one who needs help.

My journey hasn’t been an easy one. I grew up enduring significant challenges, including a history of childhood abuse and sexual abuse. Despite this, I channeled my pain into a determination to make a difference in the world. Becoming a firefighter/EMT was my way of turning my struggles into strength and using it to serve others.

However, years of working on the front lines took a toll on my mental and physical health. I now live with severe PTSD from the traumatic events I experienced as a first responder. Additionally, I suffer from debilitating nerve damage caused by degenerative disc disease, which was exacerbated during my service. These conditions have left me unable to work and struggling to make ends meet.

For over a year, I’ve been navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process. My medical care team and legal team have assured me that I meet all the qualifications to receive these benefits. Unfortunately, due to the broken and bureaucratic nature of the SSDI system, I’m still waiting for my claim to be approved. In the meantime, I’ve exhausted my savings and am finding it increasingly difficult to cover essential expenses like housing, medical care, and daily living costs.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to rebuilding my life. My ultimate goal is to find stability so I can give back to the community that has supported me. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring, or finding other ways to help those in need, I plan to pay it forward in droves once I’m back on my feet.

I’m reaching out today to ask for your help. Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards:

• Basic living expenses (rent, utilities, groceries)

• Medical treatments and therapies for PTSD and nerve damage

• Covering the costs of daily necessities while I await SSDI benefits

Your support means the world to me. By helping me get through this challenging time, you’re not just supporting one person—you’re empowering me to continue my mission of helping others.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page with others would mean just as much. Together, we can make a difference.

With gratitude,

Jacob Fitzgerald