My name is Brian Lowery. I am 49 years old, and I have been a schoolteacher for over 20 years. I am facing a medical crisis that has left me unable to work, resulting in a sudden loss of income. I have been in the hospital since December of 2025 due to congestive heart failure leading to a reliance on full time oxygen and a loss of feeling and strength in my extremities. This situation has been overwhelming, and I am doing my best to focus on recovery while managing the stress of financial uncertainty. Every day, I am working to get stronger, but the future remains unclear, and I am worried about how I will keep up with my expenses. I have exhausted my sick leave, and my union has denied me access to the sick leave pool. My only current recourse would be to apple for a medical unpaid leave of absence in order to secure my job.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward paying my utilities and mortgage for this month and next month, until I start to get paid again in the summer. These are critical needs that I must cover to keep my home and maintain some stability during this difficult time. Your support will help me stay afloat while I continue to heal and figure out what comes next.

Asking for help is not easy for me, and I feel embarrassed to be in this position. However, I am reaching out because I truly need support. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Thank you for considering my fundraiser and for standing by me as I navigate this current challenge.