Hi! My name is Elise, and I need some help. I've had an incredibly rough few years, including getting laid off twice this year. Yes, you read that right—twice. Laid off, rehired, then my employer was purchased by another company and I got laid off again. It was a lot, but I put together a plan to get back on my feet. I thought I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, but like Metallica said, it's just a freight train coming my way.

And the name of that train is cancer. Adenocarcinoma, to be specific. My oncologist says it's treatable, and possibly even completely beatable. I just have to get through the chemo and the surgery.

My medical expenses will be covered by Medicaid since I'm out of work. But because I'm ill and unable to look for work, I can't claim any unemployment benefits. I can hear you all now, and my flabbers were just as gasted, but the rules are the rules. I have to be "ready, able, and willing" to work in order to get unemployment, and it specifically says if I'm sick, I can't get benefits because I'm unable to work. It means I will have zero income while I'm fighting for my life.

That's where I need help, everyone. I have bills like everyone else: utilities, food, prescriptions, pet care, home and car maintenance, gas, and all the other expenses that go with just living.

Anything you can donate would be so very appreciated. I'm enrolled in college starting this fall (part of that plan I was talking about), and I'm hoping to be able to attend classes while undergoing treatment since they are all online. But I can't do that if I have no electricity or food.

Thanks so much for reading. I'll post updates here as I can.