I have been living with diabetes since I was 30 years old, and for a long time, it was out of control. The complications from my diabetes led to repeated issues with my feet, which forced me to quit work several times and lose my health insurance. After years of struggling, I finally qualified for Social Security disability and Medicare, but by then, the damage was done. A diabetic foot ulcer would not heal and kept getting infected, and eventually, I had to have my right leg amputated below the knee.

For the past three years, I have been living on a fixed income, making do with what I have. But now, with the added expenses of surgery, a hospital stay, and the cost of a prosthetic leg, I am feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Even with insurance, I am responsible for a significant portion of the cost, and it’s more than I can manage on my own.

If I was able to get this leg, it would mean the world to me. I've put my life on hold for so many years, avoiding activities and vacations out of fear of another health episode. I miss walking my dog and going places with my girlfriend. For almost three months, I've been homebound, only able to go out if someone can help me with my knee scooter and mobility cart. I feel so useless sometimes, but I want to live again and regain my independence. Any support would mean so much to me. I miss going out and seeing people and doing for myself, and others.