Help Me Overcome My Continued Battle With Post-Sepsis

Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Sammie, and I am reaching out to share, and update you all on, my story in the hope of receiving your support during an incredibly challenging time. Over the past few years, I have faced severe health crises that have not only taken a toll on my body but have also led to significant financial hardships. Despite the unwavering support of my family, I found myself struggling to cover medical expenses, overdue bills and to replace my much-needed vehicle.

My Health Journey

In December 2020, I was unexpectedly struck by a critical illness. What I initially thought was a simple case of food poisoning rapidly escalated into a life-threatening battle with sepsis and kidney failure. I was hospitalized, treated, and eventually stabilized, but the road to recovery was far from straightforward. By May 2021, my health had deteriorated once more. A missed kidney stone from my initial hospitalization led to another severe bout of sepsis. This time, surgery was necessary to place a ureteral stent, and my recovery was anything but smooth. I endured ongoing issues with incapacitating numbness, swelling, and neuropathic pain, which severely impacted my daily life. Tasks that were once routine, like getting dressed or wearing shoes, became nearly impossible. By May 2022, I was back in the hospital for a PCNL surgery to remove the original ureteral stent when my care team discovered it had fragmented and caused small tears in my bladder and kidney. This 2-hour surgery to remove kidney stones and the stent turned into an over 6-hour surgery to remove the fragmented stent pieces, place a new stent in place, remove the kidney stones and place a PCN drainage tube from my back to my kidney. I was finally tube and stent free by the end of the summer of 2022. My sister and close friend both have had to help me with certain tasks such as going to the bathroom, bathing, clothing, meals, and more.

Financial and Emotional Struggles

In the midst of these health battles, I faced additional challenges:

Employment and Insurance Loss

I was medically separated from my job, resulting in the loss of my health insurance. This left me vulnerable and unable to manage the escalating medical bills from multiple hospital stays and surgeries. My PCNL surgery and treatment was switched to Harris Health.

Mounting Medical Expenses

Procedures such as the prolonged PCN surgery to remove a fragmented ureteral stent, which lasted over six hours, added to my financial strain. Post-surgery complications required emergency room visits, leading to unexpected bills, including an $11,000 charge for a simple fix to a drainage tube (a strong hand to turn it so the rungs were not misaligned.) I recently became eligible for health insurance through the healthcare marketplace; however, I am unsure how I will pay each month’s premium without a steady income or the transportation to commit to more local events and vendor markets.

Daily Living Challenges

Mobility issues and severe pain have confined me to using a walker. Simple activities, like showering, preparing my own meals, walking to the mailbox or even designing for my shop. If it isn’t my limbs randomly going numb, it’s the lack of balance or breathing issues. Take for instance this, I had to have a friend help me write this out as my cognitive issues have worsened since sepsis. I have to set alarms and reminders for everything to get through each day. I forget things I previously never would have. I take much longer to complete tasks not only because of my physical disabilities, but because of my cognitive issues as well. I had to withdraw from college once again, despite this being my graduating semester because the remainder of my courses are in-person and they can’t offer me the ADA accommodations needed to finish, nor do I have the transportation to attend regularly.

Denied Assistance

Despite being deemed unemployable, my application for disability benefits was denied, and I am currently in the process of an appeal. Repeated attempts to secure assistance through Harris Health have been met with lost paperwork and mounting frustration.

Employment

I have been consistently applying for jobs every day that I might be able to perform in my condition, however, I have yet to be hired. I have had a few interviews, but nothing further. My cognitive issues makes interviewing to the best of people’s expectations difficult.

A Glimmer of Hope

Recently, I was presented with a promising opportunity to participate as a vendor at a two-day event in San Antonio. This event holds the potential to generate significant income, which could alleviate some of my financial burdens and get me closer to a vehicle. However, I am worried I will be unable to attend, because I lack the funds for rental transportation and the means to increase my inventory. Which means I will be out the non-refundable vendor fees I paid to secure the spot I was offered.

How You Can Help I am humbly reaching out to ask for your support for this long-standing situation. I’m at your mercy by reviving this campaign. Your generous donations will directly assist with:

Medical Expenses

Covering outstanding medical bills, specialist & physical therapy fees, private insurance premiums and necessary medical equipment and mobility aids to improve my quality of life and speed up my recovery.

Daily Living Costs

Assisting with overdue bills and essential living expenses that have accumulated during my inability to work as well as the ability to help out where I am living. I’ve tried to pay these down, but when I do have a ride to markets, that income goes to immediate needs and I am unable to catch up on these things or remotely get closer to being ahead.

Business Opportunity

Providing the necessary funds to attend the upcoming event, including transportation, inventory expansion, and associated costs, which could offer a path toward financial stability.

Your support, no matter the amount, will make a profound difference in my life. It will not only alleviate the immediate financial pressures but also offer hope and a chance to regain independence. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and any assistance you can provide. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your compassion during this challenging period noy only for me, but for everyone in this economy.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sammie