Help Fund Vital Needs for Creative Individual

Hello!

My name is Luke. I live in Richmond, VA, USA, where I am a student at VCU pursuing my bachelor's degree. I work as a swim instructor with a local swim school and was recently hired as a part-time Holistic Wellness Consultant at a local wellness center. Due to a series of unfortunate events, largely medical, I have been under extended financial hardship and am in need of your support.

I am currently hospitalized, seeking a provider that can treat me specific issues, and have lost my housing rendering me temporarily homeless. 

On Tuesday, November 5th, I sprained the MCL in my right knee. My doctor recommended 4-6 weeks of recovery from work. Unfortunately, after much recovery and missed work, on Saturday, January 25th, the sprain was re-triggered, leaving me with one good leg and on crutches. This has been a cause of support as I do not qualify for injury leave. This is very scary and distressing, largely due to missing work. I am awaiting definitive answers from my healthcare providers.

On May ’24, I was diagnosed HIV positive. The psychological and emotional impact has been devastating to me, though improving. I have never experienced a more severe depression and fear. I promptly received the necessary treatment and I’m glad to say that, thanks to modern medicine and the Ryan White Program, I am doing great, medically. If my annual income were marginally above 75k, I would be screwed regarding the management of this virus.

My focus has shifted to my treatment which has rendered me unable to work for quite some time. Fortunately, I hold my employer in high regard, partly due to their flexibility. I can only perform my Swim Instructor job part time, with my average biweekly paycheck totaling under $200.

Despite my setbacks, I’ve made great strides in improving my financial situation. My family endures financial hardship and is very limited in the support that they can offer. In spring '23, my only vehicle was repossessed. Since then (for the first time in adulthood), I have been without a car, which has been one of the largest inconveniences and limitations that I've ever dealt with. I moved to a new city (Richmond) from the D.C. area shortly after this loss. I am relatively new to this city and do not know many people here, thus leaving me with an insufficient support system. In August 2023, I fractured/broke my right wrist in a bike accident and was temporarily disabled for several months and unable to work, while surviving my first academic year at VCU as a junior and new transfer student. I am currently a part-time student for the spring 2025 semester. After another Pell Grant, my remaining balance to VCU for the SP 25 semester is $1,813.00 for two classes.

I have tirelessly applied multiple times to my local Department of Social Services for EBT (food stamps) benefits. I discovered today that my last application was denied. I have submitted multiple applications for this type of support this year.

I am a gay artist who grew up in the ultra-conservative region of central/southern Appalachia. It is fair to say that certain areas of this region are the third-world of the USA. I grew up bullied, marginalized, and discriminated against and unsupported by the public education system in the arts. Unfortunately, the resulting mental health issues of this upbringing have had tenacious effects. I can paint (very well), act, sing, play piano, speak French, execute great people skills including public speaking and performing for audiences across the nation, and have many other positive qualities. Unfortunately, many of these skills are frequently difficult if not impossible to monetize and sustain oneself with, in this economy. Words that I would use to describe my life up to this point are; colorful, adventurous, risk-taking, dynamic, pained, greatly challenged, deprived, and resilient. I know that I am not unique, in many senses of the word.

Groceries, transportation, rent, and bills are extremely difficult for me to pay at this time. Student loan debt is a whole other story (100K). Your donation would mean providing support to an individual in critical need to get on their feet. I would be immensely grateful for any support and will pay it forward. Please share this fundraiser.

Thank you very much for reading and be well,

Luke A. Dotson