Help Barbara Silkstone Fight Osteoporosis

Don and Robin Parks share Barbara Silkstone's story:

 

This is not a path I had hoped to take, but here I am, at the mercy of friends like you who are reading about my current situation. I know the pandemic has put a financial strain on us, but somehow, I hope you can make some room to cast a ray of hope towards me. Now, more than ever, I need your help.

 

My name is Barbara Silkstone, and over the past few decades, I have dedicated my life to putting smiles on the faces of people worldwide, friends and strangers, by writing cozy mysteries and Jane Austen variations.

 

 

 

 

My love for people dates back to my early years when I first volunteered in the Peace Corps. Since then, I have volunteered in various other capacities and helped out in every way I could.

 

 

 

 

I wish there was much more good news to share; unfortunately, this is not a fairy tale. The last few years of my life have been characterized by pain, fear, and anxiety. I am a comedy novelist who has suffered from two major spinal surgeries in just this year alone. My spine crumbled due to osteoporosis which was aggravated by sitting at the computer for extended hours while writing.

 

Because I have not been able to earn any income for over a year, I am overwhelmed with enormous medical bills and may soon become homeless as I can no longer afford to pay rent.

 

Before kick-starting this campaign, I had explored and exhausted all other avenues, but I could hardly break even. My resources have been strained beyond imagination, and I cannot qualify for any government support or public assistance programs either because I fall through the cracks or the sources are swamped with requests from others.

 

Within the last six months, I have been rushed to the emergency unit seven times, with each trip costing roughly a thousand dollars. I am scared of tomorrow. I feel so alone despite having dedicated my life to writing books that have made people feel better; I am now terrified.

 

Things have been so bad, so much that in January, I was forced to put my beloved kitty, up for adoption because I wanted her to be safe and well taken care of if something ever happened to me. Sometimes I still feel her close to me, but, I miss her desperately.

 

 

 

 

Through this campaign, I am asking you to help me raise the sum of twenty-two thousand dollars ($22,000). I will pay off my current medical bills that add up to $14,000, which Medicare did not cover. I will also be able to pay a healthcare worker, pay for transportation to my doctor’s, and rent for December, January, and February.

 

Somehow, I hope God can send some love my way through everyone who reads this campaign. This is my last resort, and you’re all I have left to save me from impending homelessness. Any amount small or large is greatly appreciated to help me get back to writing with love and laughter.

 

Thank you for your immense support. I am grateful beyond words.