My name is Dale, and I’m reaching out during an incredibly challenging time for both myself and my roommate/BFF, Lucas. In 2025, I faced multiple medical leaves from work after a severe reaction to a new medication prescribed by my doctor. The reaction made me very sick and led to a day surgery, followed by months of complications and infection at the incision site. Despite the seriousness of my condition, my employer did not consider it a critical illness, so I was denied both short-term and long-term disability benefits. The recovery was long and painful, with major bleeding and difficulty sitting, standing, or even bending over for extended periods.

While I was struggling to heal, Lucas had his own crisis. In late March 2025, he fell off his ebike and broke his left hand, requiring major surgery. His employer wouldn’t allow him to return to work for four months, and he received no pay during that time. Just after the new year began in 2026, Lucas was five minutes late to work due to a car battery issue, and despite explaining the situation, he was terminated on the spot. He had no prior warnings, and now he’s waiting on a decision for unemployment benefits and was recently denied food stamps.

We are both doing everything we can to get back on our feet, but we’ve reached a point where we need help. The funds from this fundraiser will go directly toward paying the rest of our rent this month, covering bills, groceries, gas, pet food and supplies, and household essentials. 2026 was supposed to be our new year of hope and new beginnings, and we are still both praying for this to happen. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated, and your support means the world to us.