I'm Justin Hamm. An elementary school librarian, poet, husband, and father of two talented daughters, age 16 and 12. I am also proud - I'm used to being the giver. But I recently found out that I have a defective heart valve. I'm facing open heart surgery soon and I will lose about five weeks salary while recovering.

Recently, we had three major car repairs, a plumbing incident that involved a flooded basement, and a dog diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that means he'll be on medication for life. We absorbed these costs. But there isn't a way to absorb the salary loss without going into debt.

Your contribution would be greatly appreciated.

If you would be willing to let me send you a small collection of my poems as a thank you, please let me know, and I'll make sure you get one when I'm recovered.