After years of selflessly helping and caring for others, for the first time in my life, [and this is exceedingly difficult for me to even write this], I am asking for help. On May 10, 2019, after almost 19 years, I was forced to retire from my job as an RN. My health has been steadily declining for years. I have severe arthritis in my back, [Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time, resulting in chronic pain], pinching my nerves and damaging my disks. At the present time, I am no longer able to walk more than 10’ or sit for more than 30 minutes at a time. Depression has added to my multiple medical issues which has limited me even further. Although I applied for disability benefits last year, I have been denied benefits twice even though my physicians have told me that I cannot work any longer.

 My finances have completely deteriorated. There now exist ever-increasing medical and household bills which, again, for the first time in my 60 years, I cannot pay.

Lastly, for the first time in my 60 years, I am genuinely afraid.