In November 2024, I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis in both hips after I suffered what I thought was a hip strain at work. This condition severely restricts blood flow to my hip joints, causing the bone to deteriorate. My right hip (the side I aggravated at work) is particularly affected and beginning to collapse, which has left me unable to work and likely in need of a hip replacement at a relatively young age. It turns out it was something that had been developing for a while (potentially since birth), and being a preexisting condition, all workers’ comp and help with medical bills has ceased.

As I work in restaurants, I will be unable to return to work until I can get the treatment I need, and I am unfortunately uninsured. I had just started a promising new job and was planning to get health insurance through them, but I hadn’t worked there long enough yet to be eligible.

I’m looking into many avenues for relief, but being in the industry I am, I figured I’d look to the hospitality of my community as well. I’ll need help covering rent and other bills for the next couple months at least, as well as medical expenses and the insurance to get the care I need.

Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Alternatively, I also make art and do commissions of my drawings on a donation basis. Details and examples of my artwork can be found in the pinned post on my instagram, @lurkramos.

The last year and a half has seen so many positive changes in my life: I was finally able to quit drinking, therapy has improved my relationships and mental health, and aside from this recent news, I’m in better health than I’ve been in years. I know I’m headed in a positive direction; I just need to get my body right.

Thank you,

Luke (Lurk, Paddy, Honey Bear)