I was hospitalized three times in 2023. Two visits were for kidney stones, one of which required surgery to remove. I also had emergency abdominal surgery to remove my gallbladder. Thankfully, my body is healing well. But these unexpected events have taken a heavy toll on my finances, and by extension, my mental health.

Three trips to the ER, including two surgeries, has left me with hefty medical bills that are a significant burden on my budget. Moreover, I lost a combined total of almost two months of pay while I was recovering. This lead directly to me having to borrow money, max out some credit cards, and begin skipping bills each month.

Every time I couldn't make one payment, the past due balance, minimum payment requirements, and interest rates would jump up dramatically. I have been working with my creditors for months, but the "help" they offer is limited, and in many cases has only set me back further. I am hounded daily by phone calls, texts and emails, asking for larger and larger payments.

Now, almost one full year after the first hospitalization, I am still fighting to figure out how to string things along every month and still afford groceries. My mental and emotional health are badly suffering. I am completely overwhelmed. More and more I feel like there is no way out. That is why I am humbly asking for your help.

I am not asking for anyone to "pay off" my credit cards, or my medical debt. I know that I can make the normal minimum payments. But I desperately need help paying down the high interest past due balances on various accounts so that I can get back on track.

My goal amount of $2,500 will keep me from being sent to collections, will put an end to the oppressive calls and texts, and will put me back on my feet in this fight. Every dollar donated, whether below or beyond that goal, will be used to improve my financial health, and will help pull me out of the dark spiral have I have found myself in. Thank you.