Hi everyone, my name is Casey. I’m a full-time student at UC Davis, currently unemployed but starting a new job very soon. I’ve been doing my best to balance school, bills, and life on a really tight budget — but an unexpected medical emergency completely knocked me off my feet.

In October, I was admitted to the hospital for Pyelonephritis, a severe kidney infection. It came on suddenly, and I had no choice but to get urgent medical care. I’m grateful to be recovering, but I recently received my hospital bill — and it’s far more than I can manage on my own as a student with no current income.

This situation has left me scared, overwhelmed, and honestly a little embarrassed to ask for help… but I truly can’t do this alone. Between rent, school expenses, and preparing to start my new job, this medical bill is something that would set me back months — and right now, even a small setback feels huge.

If you’re able to donate anything at all, it would mean more to me than I can put into words. Every dollar helps chip away at this unexpected burden and gives me the chance to focus on healing and staying on track with my education.

If you can’t donate, sharing this link is also an enormous help.

The goal is to raise $6,000 which will cover all of my medical costs including my ER visit, admittance into the hospital for 4 days, intravenous antibiotics treatment, and the infusion clinic visits to continue antibiotics treatment after being released from the hospital.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story — and thank you for any kindness you’re able to spare. Truly.

— Casey