I never imagined I’d be here writing something like this. But after a streak of bad luck, life has knocked me flat—literally—and now I’m trying to keep a roof over my head while I heal from major hip surgery.

 Earlier this year my old truck Blue died for good. I used my saving to buy a used Nissan Murano, hoping it would get me back on my feet. Instead, it turned out to be a lemon—the engine blew, every penny I’d saved was gone, and the car ended up in the junkyard.

 Even without transportation, I didn’t give up. I hopped on my bike and started pedaling to nearby businesses to apply for jobs in person. I wanted so badly to stay independent.

But in late August, disaster struck: I had a serious bike accident that shattered my hip in several places. I spent five days in the hospital and underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of the femur (basically, surgeons had to put my hip back together with a rod, screws, and pins).

Now I’m home recovering with a walker. The healing process is brutal and has stopped me from working entirely, and the bills are piling up faster than I can catch my breath.

 At a time when I should be focusing on rebuilding stability, I’m instead facing eviction and shut-off notices for my electric, water, and gas. My phone has even been disconnected, making it nearly impossible to keep applying for work or stay connected to the outside world.

My immediate family has helped as much as they can, and I’m so grateful, but they simply can’t cover what’s needed. Asking for help beyond them is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Every dollar you give will go directly to keeping me housed, restoring basic utilities, reconnecting my phone, and eventually securing transportation so I can get back to work once I’m cleared to.

 If you’re able to give, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you can’t donate, even sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to me.

 This recovery has been lonely and humbling, but your kindness reminds me I’m not walking it alone.

 With love and gratitude, Amber