Earlier this year, my life changed in an instant. Doctors discovered a small blockage in my colon and performed surgery, but a missed perforation above the repair caused bile and stool to leak into my abdomen, sending me into septic shock. Over the next few weeks, I went septic twice, battled pneumonia twice, endured seven major surgeries, and fought through more infections than I can count. In total, I spent 75 days in three different hospitals, including a rehabilitation hospital where I had to relearn how to eat, stand, and walk. I lost 58 pounds and became unrecognizable — a shadow of who I was.

Today, I’m home, working hard to recover with the help of home health nurses and physical therapy. I now live with an ostomy bag and am learning to adjust to this new reality. While I’m deeply grateful to be alive, recovery has come with enormous financial strain. I was employed full-time before this happened, and my company has given me unpaid leave through FMLA and the ADA. But with months of missed work, mounting medical bills even with good insurance, and ongoing costs for ostomy supplies, copays, insurance premiums, and a new deductible coming up, it’s overwhelming. My son and I are struggling just to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.

I’ve never asked for help like this before, but we are truly in desperate need. Any amount — no matter how small — will help us stay afloat while I recover and work toward returning to work, which won’t happen until late next year or until I can find a less physical job. I also face another major surgery next July to reverse my ileostomy. If you can’t give financially, your thoughts, prayers, and shares mean the world to us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any kindness you can offer. With love and gratitude, Jared