Hi, my name is Kirtrell Morris, I’m 24 years old and originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, now living in Brooklyn, New York since May 2025. I relocated after receiving an amazing job offer. I work in sports medicine/orthopedic surgery at one of the top orthopedic hospitals in New York, a job I truly love and worked hard to earn.

Recently, I was diagnosed with two herniated discs (L4-L5 and L5-S1) that were pressing on my sciatic nerve, causing severe pain and making it impossible to walk, stand, or lift, which are all essential parts of my work. On October 22, 2025, after having tried everything PT, Steroid Injections, Occupational Therapy and more desperately wanting to gain normalcy in my life again, I underwent a micro-discectomy (a minimally invasive surgery to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve caused by a herniated disc) to relieve the pressure on my nerves and begin my road to recovery.

Unfortunately, the hospital and surgical fees were extremely expensive, and I had to make an astronomical upfront payment due to my insurance coverage. After paying those medical costs, my savings have been completely depleted, and with no paid leave available, I’m now facing the challenge of covering three months of rent and living expenses while I recover. Because I’ve only been with my employer since May, I wasn’t eligible for FMLA, meaning I’ll be without income until January 8th. As you will see in the documents attached my medical leave was approved but my FMLA (which is the money) WAS NOT APPROVED because I did not meet the allotted time working requirement as employment started in MAY 2025. To simplify, my leave was approved but not with pay. So please read everything in its entirety for better understanding.

Documents Shown

If you know me personally, you know that I never ask for anything. I’ve always been the friend who pays for the entire dinner for seven people, the one you call when you need a ride home, or even a place to stay when you’re in my city. I’ve always found joy in giving in showing up for others because I’ve been blessed through hard work, my education, and the career I’ve built. Anyone who knows me knows that I would give my last just to see someone else smile. That’s why this is so hard for me because I’m used to being on the giving end, not receiving. Writing this alone has taken a lot out of me.

**I’m only asking for exactly what I need to cover rent for the 3 months I'm out of work, and help with my upcoming physical therapy co-pay which will be starting one month post-op around about November 22nd, 2025 as I’m fortunate enough to be returning to an amazing job once I’m cleared.** I can’t return home to New Orleans to stay with family because my physical therapy and rehabilitation will take place here in New York at one of the world’s best orthopedic rehab centers, where I’m incredibly lucky to receive care through the same hospital I work for. This is my best chance at getting back to 80–100% health and continuing my career doing what I love.

Even my other passion, photography, is on hold while I recover, since my doctor advised against bending, lifting, or twisting to avoid re-injury or incision complications.

Anything helps truly. Every contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward keeping me stable while I heal. I’m beyond grateful for your generosity, love, and prayers during this time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

– Kirtrell Morris