Dear Friends and Supporters

**I’m Reaching Out in Desperation—Please Help Me Fight Back**

Twenty years ago, on August 2, 2004, my life was irrevocably changed. At 6:20 p.m., a work-related injury led to the onset of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a cruel neurological disorder that brought unrelenting, excruciating pain and robbed me of 90% of the use in my dominant hand. For someone whose identity and livelihood were tied to art, it was a crushing blow

But I’m not someone who gives up easily. Through sheer willpower, I found ways to adapt and create again. I clawed my way back to a life that was almost normal—free from hardcore pain meds, with renewed strength, range of motion, and a sense of hope. For three years, I fought tooth and nail to maintain this fragile remission

Then, on November 28, 2023, in a cruel twist of fate, a single fall—caused by my landlord’s unwillingness to make good on his promise to replace my kitchen floor—shattered that progress. CRPS has returned with a vengeance, and I’ve gone from climbing stairs with ease to hobbling on crutches, trapped in my own home by constant chronic pain plus a series of health issues exacerbated by CRPS. Every day is a struggle. I do what every one with chronic pain does I try to act normal.

As if this weren’t enough, my landlord—whose inaction led to my fall—has tried to evict me. I managed a stay, but I still face the very real possibility of losing my home, the one place where I feel safe. Not only am I trying to pay my rent as per my lease I am forced to pay the landlord’s legal fees. A single late payment will put me out on the street by the end of the month. I’m physically unable to move to another place, and need to work remotely. The financial strain is overwhelming. The loss of my home means the loss of my livelyhood. Two jobs that require a wifi connection, the loss of my ability to maintain my online stores and meager presence. Worst of all is having to find a home for my dog. He has been my only real source of emotional support for nearly half this journey. The systems that should be helping me—rental assistance, job support, medical care—are painfully slow, with wait times stretching into months. I don’t have months. Both jobs took a hiatus The longer I wait, the worse my medical condition becomes and the worse my financial situation is. In September I was diagnosed with multiple conditions caused or made worse by CRPS. I’m struggling with no place left to turn

I am at my breaking point. I never imagined being in a position where I’d have to beg for help like this, but I am out of options. I’m still in need of a financial lifeline.. I need stability—time to heal, both physically and emotionally, without the fear of losing my home hanging over me

If you can find it in your heart to help, it would mean everything to me. I need $500.00 by the 24th of January to pay for the legal fees unfairly imposed on me and $1000 to cover my rent for February. I’m scared. Your support could be the difference between further deterioration and homelessness while allowing me the chance to rebuild my life. Please, help me fight back against this relentless condition and those who would take my home from me. Help me reclaim some semblance of normalcy.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for any support you can offer. It all adds up.