I am a retiree aged member of Kappa Kappa Gamma living in the Upstate of SC, and former VP of Finance for an accounting firm specializing in non-profit accounting in CA. I am a 1976 Graduate of Clemson University and a lifelong member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. While at Clemson I was President of EM Chapter and was a member of the Greenville, Charlotte, and New Orleans Alumnae Groups. I was co-chair of the 50th EM Reunion Committee.

Growing up as one of eight children of the Ballard Family in Pickens County SC, I learned the value of hard work early on and have carried that with me throughout my life and career in accounting.

Last year, while working for a nonprofit consulting firm in California, my wet macular degeneration in my left eye grew worse from the previous years. This condition made it impossible for me to continue working in Excel and related software, which forced me to take time off. I relied on short-term and then long-term private disability insurance, but those benefits ended abruptly in December 2025 due to an age limit in the employer’s policy.

I have always prided myself on being self-sufficient, but my circumstances have changed quickly. I can work part-time in a lesser accounting position, but just last week, I had hip replacement surgery. This means I won’t be able to return to work until March. My husband and I are now living solely on Social Security income, with no pensions or retirement accounts to support us. As we both had been career professionals, a closed business in the recession of 2008 left us with no retirement accounts.

While our basic living expenses are mostly covered, we are struggling to afford our health, life, and automobile insurance, as well as significant out-of-pocket prescription costs. At my most recent retina specialist appointment, I also learned that macular degeneration has started in my right eye, which adds to my medical needs and uncertainty about the future.

For my friends and family who have known me these 72 years, you know I have always worked hard at everything I do—from my family, my job to my church responsibilities and community support. I have been involved in several entrepreneurial ventures, successful and not, and have worked as a mentor for startup companies.

I am asking for assistance during these few months so I can recover, return to part-time work, and regain my self-sufficiency. Your support would mean so much to me as I navigate this challenging time.