Hello! My name is Mary Beth. I am a mom, grandma, daughter, homeowner and just like so many people over 50, I am seriously struggling.

I had a fantastic job for 17 years. I was able to purchase my home in 2003, when my daughter was five years old. What a great feeling! In 2018, my daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was unable to care for her, so I was granted legal guardianship when my granddaughter was 11 days old. I took unpaid leave to care for her and when she was three months old, I was laid off from my fantastic job (new boss). Looking back, I could have handled things much differently. I was 49 with a newborn and exhausted!

Life has been extremely challenging since then. I have held several short-term positions and during Covid I attended classes at the local community college and received two certificates. When I tried to re-enter the workforce, it was exhausting!

In July of 2022, my mom was diagnosed with a terminal brain disease and couldn't care for herself. She was moved into a skilled nursing facility and by September she was placed on hospice.

Shortly after, in August I was assaulted in front of my grandchild by a stranger, who has never been found. We are both traumatized from the attack. I had two fractures in my pelvis. I have not been the same since.

I was offered a position at a privately owned company in February 2023 and happily accepted it. I loved what I was doing. Privately owned companies are very different. No rules or regulations and in November 2023, I was laid off. I received less than $400 (total) in unemployment for the balance of 2023. In January, unemployment completed a redetermination and I finally was receiving more. Not enough to pay my mortgage and bills, but more. Thankfully my mortgage company allowed me to be put on an unemployment deferred payment plan. Since I was laid off, I have applied for hundreds of positions. I have only had 3 phone interviews. Very disheartening.

During all of this, I was my mom's person. I visited as often as possible. I took every middle of the night phone call and hurried to the facility whenever she suffered a crisis. My mom passed away April 21, 2024. I miss her terribly.

I still have two non-union (not healed) fractures in my right pelvis. I have been diagnosed with Osteoperosis and am in pain 24-7. OTC meds do not help. Two months ago, an xray showed a lesion in my left femur. I had an MRI and was sent to an Orthopedic Oncologist in Chicago. I am a cancer survivor and it is always in the back of my mind because Sarcomas can lie in wait for decades and return with a vengeance. The Oncologist "believes" it is a benign tumor of the cartilage called an Enchondroma. They want to watch it. That is what happened when I was diagnosed with Myxoid Liposarcoma in 2006. They thought it was a hernia, but it was cancer. I have been falling with no warning. I have been through PT for my pelvis/hip and it ended because there was no improvement AND there is a painful lump on my right thigh now. I am not satisfied with the statement "believe" it is benign because of my Sarcoma history along with many other concerning health issues (horrible chronic cough, nodules on my vocal cords, exhaustion and chronic pain).

I use a cane now. I have begun the SSDI application process (yes, I have an attorney). I still have to do every day things around the house. When I do mow the lawn or work in the yard, I need days to return to "status quo".

My bank account is more than $1000 overdrawn (probably 1/3 are NSF charges). My unemployment ended earlier than I expected and I am overwhelmed. Fortunately, I qualified for SNAP (food stamps) and I get a small TANF payment of $319/month because I am raising a grandchild.

If you told me that I would be where I am: raising a six year old, unable to walk without assistance and now being recommended for foreclosure, I'd say no way!

Sadly that is where I am and I'm beside myself.

I am asking for financial help. I need to get my bank account back in the black as well as enough for monthly bills & mortgage (my mortgage company knows my situation and has applied for HUD assistance on my behalf). I am praying that I am approved for disability this year, but know that it takes months and months to receive approval.

I see the orthopedic doctor on 9/19. In the meantime, I need to schedule a pulmonary function test as well as an appointment with my primary physician. I've got so many health issues and I don't have help with my granddaughter, so I must schedule appointments that end by 2pm during the week.

My daughter had come home to stay a couple of months ago, but she left again and is expecting another baby in early 2025. My hope is she comes back home soon, but I am unable to rely on that. My dream is that we could have a multi-generational home and be able to support each other.

I want to save my home. I could never afford rent (2 or more times what my mortgage is). I do NOT have family to help and my circle is extremely small. I want to make sure that my granddaughter is taken care of, no matter what!

I am so scared and am hoping that you can share with your tribes and may I can keep my house and fight whatever I need to fight.

I am SO grateful for everyone who has read ALL of this! <3

I just want to make sure that we have stability while I deal with my health issues and advocate for the best care, so I can stick around and see my little love bug do great things!

I promise you, when I do have the means, I will do everything I can to help others conquer their life challenges, obstacles and feelings of fear, despair and being alone!

Thank you from my heart to yours!

Love,

Mary Beth aka Mommy aka Mama aka Mama mb aka Grandma