Hello everyone. My name is Morgan Stevenson and I am a Middle School teacher in Brooklyn. I have been struggling with chronic pain for 7 years and have been teaching through it for 5. I suffer from a Herniated Disc and Sciatica in my legs. This makes standing, walking even sitting up nearly impossible without experiencing extreme pain. My condition has made me unable to work and unfortunately I only receive 6 paid days of sick leave in a school year. I have surpassed my amount of paid leave and am currently awaiting approval for Short Term Disability leave.

While I am fortunate enough to have benefits and insurance, the cost of living and medical bills will be a challenge for me. After struggling to find a doctor in network that can support my needs, my conditioned worsened and my doctor at the time did nothing to help after I had called his Office nonstop for weeks. I currently have to see a specialist out of network and each visit is $200/session. If I receive short term leave benefits, I will only receive 60% of my pay which will only cover my rent and utilities. I will need money for grocery delivery as I am unable to shop for myself, my treatment sessions, transportation to and from appointments, physical and mental therapy sessions ,medication and the cost of an MRI. I anticipate this will hover around $1500 that will not be covered by my benefits.

I will be unable to work for the next two months and unfortunately do not have a back up plan. I want to be back in the classroom with my students again as soon as I am well enough to. Please donate anything you can.