Hi. I'm Diane, and I'm reaching out to everyone because I'm in a financial bind. I've been making ends meet for the last 5 years, but now I'm all tapped out-physically, mentally, emotionally, and now financially.

Last Sept., I was involved in a rear-ended hit and run accident. I thought my car and I were ok. But since then, problems with my car and myself have cropped up with no end in sight. Fortunately, my car insurance has paid for my doctors' bills until now. I'm slowly getting better, but I still have a long way to go.

Very painful lower back spasms kept me from working many days at school this past Feb. and March. I lost at least $5000 in wages during that time, and almost lost my health insurance through the school district. I managed to work enough hours at school's end to keep it, but it was often painful for me to work. I'm looking at either PRP or replacement for my knee, but I'm not sure if my school insurance will pay for it. Meanwhile, my car is on its last legs, with no money for another used one.

I've hired a lawyer, but I don't know how long a settlement will take or even if it'll end in a settlement. I've been looking for another job for months, but nobody wanted to hire someone for only the summer.

I need money to tie me over until Oct. The $5000 in lost wages would've done that, but now I have nothing. Can you please help?