On September 13, 2025, I was assaulted by the client at my job as a Direct Support Professional and sustained a concussion. Since then, I have been on medical leave and work restriction, and I haven’t received a paycheck since late September. My roommate and friend, Olga, has been doing everything she can to keep us afloat—covering the mortgage, HOA fees, car insurance, gas, and internet. We’ve been fortunate enough to be able to use food pantries to make sure we have enough to eat.

The photo here is from the night of the assault. It took about two weeks for the physical wounds to heal, but now I’m left with the mental and emotional scars that will take much longer to recover from.

I want to be able to contribute to our household again and take some of the financial burden off Olga. She has been incredibly supportive, but it’s not easy for one person to handle all the bills and expenses on their own. The funds raised here will help us keep our home, pay essential bills, and get through this tough time while I wait for my workman’s compensation case to move forward.

I do have a lawyer working on my case, but the process has been painfully slow. It took my company two months just to file the claim with their insurance, and I’ve now been without any income for over three months. The stress from not having a paycheck is reaching a breaking point for me, both mentally and emotionally. Any support you can offer would mean the world to me. Thank you for reading my story and considering a donation to help me get through this difficult period.