My name is Donna, and I have worked in nursing homes for 42 years, helping residents and their families navigate insurance and care transitions. In June 2025, while I was on the phone assisting a resident with their Social Security and MassHealth paperwork, a housekeeper came in to wash the floor. Unfortunately, I did a split and suffered a severe injury to my knee and foot. Since then, I have undergone two surgeries and have been in constant pain. I was out of work from August 14 until January 5, and during that time, I had to pay out of pocket for an MRI and other medical expenses.

After returning to work for only two days, I sustained a secondary injury to my knee and fractured my great toe, which required a bone infusion. My Workers Comp claim was denied, and my paid family medical leave ended on December 31. I am struggling to keep up with copayments for the therapy my doctors say I need, and I am doing everything I can to maintain my health insurance. My savings are nearly gone, and I am worried about covering basic living expenses and medical costs as I continue to recover.

I am reaching out for help because I want to stand tall again and return to the work I love—helping others through difficult times. Any support you can offer would mean the world to me. I am deeply grateful for every donation, no matter the size, as it brings me closer to getting the care I need and getting back on my feet. Thank you for considering supporting my journey to recovery.