Temporary Medical Recovery Support While Awaiting Workers’ Comp & Disability

TL;DR

I’m recovering from a workplace shoulder injury after 20+ years as a cosmetologist/hairstylist/barber. Surgery, ongoing recovery, and compounded medical conditions have made it impossible to work right now. I’m awaiting Workers’ Comp mediation and disability decisions, both of which take time. This fundraiser is a temporary bridge to help me stay housed, stable, and focused on healing.

Story

Hi friends,

I’ve gone back and forth about sharing this, but I’ve learned that sometimes asking for help is part of surviving — not failing.

I’m currently recovering from a serious workplace shoulder injury that happened due to a fall at work, along with the physical toll of doing my profession for over 20 years as a cosmetologist/hairstylist/barber. My work has always required constant use of my shoulders, arms, and upper body, and right now I simply cannot do that safely while I heal.

I’ve had surgery, I’m following medical guidance, and I have a new MRI scheduled to help determine next steps. At the same time, this injury has worsened other medical conditions I already live with. Pain, limited mobility, stress, and uncertainty have had a compounding effect on my health — physically, mentally, and emotionally. What might be manageable on its own becomes much harder when everything overlaps.

I’m also navigating two slow-moving systems at the same time:

Workers’ Comp (currently awaiting mediation) and the disability process. Both take months and don’t move at the pace real life requires.

That leaves me in a difficult in-between space — I can’t work, I’m doing everything I’m supposed to medically, and I’m waiting on decisions that could take a long time.

Many people understand this process, either personally or through someone they love. Without family or community support, people can go from being independent and stable to being incredibly vulnerable simply because their body was injured.

Both of my parents have passed away, so I don’t have parental support to fall back on. Right now, keeping a roof over my head is essential — not just financially, but for my ability to heal, manage my health, attend appointments, and recover properly. Housing stability directly affects recovery, and losing it during this time would make everything harder.

This GoFundMe is meant to be a temporary bridge, not a long-term solution, to help cover:

Rent and utilities

Groceries and basic necessities

Medical co-pays and recovery-related expenses

Transportation to appointments

A few critical bills that affect my credit and long-term stability

Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me. I’ve always been independent, hardworking, and proud of what I do. But right now, healing has to come first, and I’m allowing myself to lean on my community during this season.

Whether you’re able to donate, share this page, or simply send encouragement, I’m deeply grateful. Thank you for supporting me while I focus on recovery and getting through this waiting period.

With love and appreciation,

Maya