Help Cover Medical and Living Costs During Recovery

Hello All,

Where to begin? It’s never been easy for me to ask for help, as I’ve always hustled to find a way when times were tough. But this time, I’m facing something bigger than I can manage on my own, and I’m reaching out for support.

I’m dealing with a medical condition that has impacted my life for years, but in July, it took a turn for the worse. Since then, I’ve been navigating excruciating pain, fainting spells, dizziness, weakness, and anemia, with frequent trips to the emergency room. This has left me unable to work or drive safely. My medical team has put me on restrictions from both until I undergo surgery, which is scheduled for October, followed by at least a month of recovery.

To make matters more difficult, all of the savings I built up after recovering from the rescue/recovery of our dog, Coco, last winter are now gone. I’ve applied for state disability, general relief, and food assistance, but unfortunately, I was denied. The past few months have tested my heart, my strength, and my finances in ways I didn’t anticipate.

That’s why I’m turning to you today, because even if you are sick and not working, the bills still show up and the phone calls to pay them never cease.

The funds raised will be used to cover my basic living expenses and the bills that have been put on hold while I’m out of work and without income.

This includes:

Rent

Groceries

Personal recovery costs

Electric & Gas bill

Insurance

Business expenses (website, credit cards, insurance)

Student loans

Anything you can give would make a world of difference. I deeply appreciate your consideration and help during this difficult time.

UPDATE 10/15/24:

I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has donated so far. Your generosity has allowed me to cover groceries, business expenses, and the medicines I need. I ask that you continue sharing my story. In just two days, I’ll be going in for surgery, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling anxious. One of my biggest worries is how we’ll manage financially afterward. As a sole proprietor, if I’m not working, there’s no income, and I’ve already been out of work since July. In the meantime, my clients have had to move on to other artists. I completely understand—just because my life has been put on pause doesn’t mean theirs should be.

Once I’m able to work again, I’ll face the challenge of rebuilding—starting with finding a job to cover basic expenses, and eventually working to restore my client base. But the reality is, I don’t know of any employer willing to hire someone still on medical leave, and the uncertainty weighs heavily on me. On top of that, my car will need repairs once I’m cleared to drive again, but it’s difficult to take care of a vehicle when basic needs must come first.

My fiancé has shouldered most of our household expenses, and it breaks my heart that I couldn’t secure help from federal or state resources. I’m trying to stay positive about the outcome of this surgery and my recovery, but it’s a lot to carry.

Please continue to share my story and keep me in your prayers as I head into surgery. Thank you again to my community and extended community for your continued support—it’s what keeps me going through this difficult time.

UPDATE 10/22/24:

Surgery was a success but what they didn’t expect was to have to do a more traditional surgery approach. I was scheduled for a laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Once they were able to enter my body, they had to abort their plans and cut open my abdomen. Navel to pelvic bone. What was supposed to be a simple surgery turned into a 4 hour procedure and LONG healing process for me. I had many tumors but one in particular was the size of a cantaloupe and had become necrotic because it had lost its blood supply due to its size. I was told had we waited any long I could have become septic and possibly lost my life. They had to repair some things and in the end I lost my womb. I’m sad, I’m in massive physical pain and it will be some time to process the trauma my body has gone through.

UPDATE 11/15/24:

Surgery was 4 weeks ago as of yesterday. I am healing up well and have days where I have set backs. This process really is a step forward one and two back. It’s an ebb and flow. I’ve kept myself busy with school work and have been working on myself. I’m still processing what I left on that operating table. I think it will be a while longer. Finding a job seems daunting but I’ve been looking and applying for jobs that maybe I could walk to from my home to encourage exercise. I remain hopeful to find a job. I am still not able to do strenuous work like lugging around a 35lb massage table and lashing or massaging or any of the other physical body procedures Ayurveda requires.

I’m deeply grateful for any financial support during this challenging time. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in my life as I work toward recovery and stability.