My name is Steven Alan Green and I am a comedian. I started at The Comedy Store in 1981 and worked alongside some of the greatest comedians ever. For the past 9 months, I have been living in a really great little single apartment in West Hollywood, California. I love it here, especially after having lived in some very dodgy places. Two weeks ago, I was violently assaulted by a complete stranger. I was pushed to the ground very hard, landing back first, then my head, on uneven concrete. The security video shows my feet actually leaving the ground! I've been in intense pain since, though over-the-counter meds and prescription muscle relaxers help. As a result of this random attack, I sustained a compression fracture on my fourth lumbar. Doctors tell me it will eventually heal on its own and that surgery is not necessary. In the meantime, I'm starting physical therapy soon, but I also need treatments like Pilates and deep tissue massage, which are not covered under Medicare.
The back injury has affected everything in my life. Even typing out this campaign, my back is killing me. I can't sit in one place very long, and that has completely shut down my Ubering for a living. It's virtually impossible for me to drive for too long and I certainly cannot do a normal Uber shift of 4 to 5 hours, especially stopping, starting again, turning, etc., and to be friendly and professional with passengers. I can't. I'm in too much pain all the time.
Most of my rent is covered by my Social Security, but not all of it. There are other monthly bills like phone, Internet, and utilities. Everything else I have to pay for, such as food and gas, I usually earn by driving rideshare. I also make money writing jokes for other comedians, but that work is completely unpredictable.
I'm taking this all one day at a time. As I'm sure you can imagine, it's very challenging! I also do not know how long it will take to completely heal up. Could be a few weeks or could be months. I just don't know. That's why this campaign will be just for living expenses (for 30 days) and treatments my insurance does not cover for several weeks. If the pain still prevents me from working again, I'll deal with it by extending this campaign.
I really do appreciate your help.
Thank you,
Steven Alan Green
Note: Any money not used by me because I've all healed up and working again will be donated to a charity that helps comedians.