
Help Mark Overcome Illness and Financial Hardship
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Hello everyone, It's me, Mark, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. I became ill in 2020 and have been struggling to hold a job and pay bills for the last four and a half years. My symptoms ranged from 24/7 fatigue, pain in my arms, legs, and hips, cognitive problems, also kidney stones, just to name a few. I was barely able to stand or even hold my arms up. Unfortunately, I had to give up my lifelong profession working with animals, and it's been difficult finding any work I've been able to do. I have resigned from several jobs and been terminated from others.
I had seen numerous doctors and specialists, and had many many diagnostic tests done, totaling over 300 visits. I have applied for disability on two occasions over the last four and a half years and have been denied. Currently, I'm appealing the most recent decision. In 2022, I was finally diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. Surgery was attempted in December 2022 but due to having a hypotensive crisis during anesthesia, the surgery was aborted. Finally, in May of 2023, I had a successful surgery but unfortunately, I didn't feel better after that. I began to develop severe depression and anxiety, which I'm also being treated for.
Every day since the beginning of 2020 has been nightmarish. Feeling sick every single day, not knowing how I was going to pay bills. Almost being evicted every month or losing my car insurance. My dog Earl, who was like a son to me, my everything, passed away on 10/21/22. That really broke me and I just can't get over it. I just want to give up.
Inexplicably, I've started feeling better over the last several weeks. I still have not been able to find a job but I'm hoping to find something I can work with over the next few months. My resources have completely dried up and I'm desperate, which is why I'm asking for help. I'm asking for help with overdue bills and September's bills. Rent, cell phone, car insurance, gas, electric and prescription copays. I literally have 0 dollars at this time and unfortunately many of these services will soon be terminated. Any amount you're willing to donate would be so very appreciated, and if you aren't able to contribute at this time, please share it with your friends and family. I know I've left so much out of this story. It's too much to type. So if anyone has any other questions for me, at all, please private message me and I'll even give you my cell number so you can text me.
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
Organizer
Mark Ottoson
Organizer
Stroudsburg, PA