After my mom and I faced one of the most challenging years of our lives last year, we are already beginning the new year with a horribly rough start. Last year really put us back a lot—between my mom having pneumonia and getting diagnosed with diabetes in April, losing her job at the school in May, then having another health scare where my mom experienced severe vertigo and had critically high blood pressure, which revealed a small aneurysm in September. Then having her new job end in October with a promise of a new position with the company that was not kept. She has been out of work since then. Due to her health conditions, she is no longer able to work. We are in the process of getting her a case worker so that we can help her get early retirement as well as assistance with medication and food stamps and any other help. The wait time for getting a case worker and going through the whole process is estimated to take around three months, which is far too long for us to go without help.

As for myself, I have been struggling immensely with my mental health. I have spent the last six months tirelessly trying to find a therapist that specializes in depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder who can also help me find a center in NC that can evaluate me for autism and is covered by my insurance. I am hoping that if I can get a proper ASD diagnosis, there will be resources available for me so that I do not have to be a financial burden on anyone. I am currently seeing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is managing my psych meds to the best of his ability. Due to my mental health conditions, I am unable to work a regular day job. I am doing my absolute best with my graphic design, pet portraits, and other art projects to survive, but I’m afraid that it is simply not enough at this point. If it comes down to it, I will have to find a psychiatric residency or “halfway house” to live in. I am trying so hard not to let my inner demons get the best of me so that I can be here for my family, my friends, my pets, and anyone else who finds themselves struggling to keep going.

I cannot give up on myself or my mom, which is why I am begging for anyone who reads this to consider helping if you are able. Anything and everything helps more than you could ever imagine.

If you could put my mom and me in your prayers, keep us in your thoughts, and send all of the positive energy you’ve got, it would mean the world to us. Thank you with every ounce of my being to everyone who can assist in any way possible. We would not be here without you.

Below is the amount of exactly what we need in order to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, heat in the house, and the medicine needed to keep us alive.

RENT: $1,800 (ONE MONTH PAST DUE) !EVICTION IF NOT PAID BY 1/31!

INTERNET: $200 (ONE MONTH PAST DUE) !SHUT OFF DATE 1/25!

GROCERIES/ PET FOOD: $100/ WEEK

MEDICATION / ESSENTIAL ITEMS: $150 MINIMUM

All the love. Always.

-Matthew and Sue