I am a disabled individual coping with Ulcerative Colitis. Each day brings its challenges, yet I remain grateful for my faith, a place to call home, and the companionship of my support animal, Spaz, who fills my life with unconditional love and joy.

Recently, I have faced significant financial obstacles. My monthly income from social security and Medicare barely covers the rising costs of rent and utilities over the past four years. For my condition, I receive Remicade infusions every six weeks, each session costing about $19,000. While Medicare pays 80% of these expenses, I am still responsible for the remaining 20%, and each year I must meet a deductible before Medicare coverage begins.

After my diagnosis and its impact on my health, I was forced to stop working. For those unfamiliar with this illness, it is not only unpleasant but can also be embarrassing. During a flare-up, I am often exhausted, confined to bed, and frequently need to use the bathroom.

It is difficult for me to ask for financial help, as admitting a need for assistance is never easy. In recent years, I have tried to supplement my income by offering public notary services from my home

Volunteering in the community has always been important to me. Even with my limitations, I believe in giving back and finding purpose through helping others, doing for neighbors as I would for myself keeps me humble.

Despite these efforts, my income is still insufficient to cover all my expenses. To manage, I began relying on credit cards, which are now maxed out. I am facing the possibility of bankruptcy and am afraid of what the future holds

At 63 years old, I feel I have contributed my share and now find myself in need of help. If anyone can assist, I would be grateful.

living with Ulcerative Colitis and unable to work, faces severe financial hardship as social security and Medicare do not cover rising living and medical costs, including expensive Remicade infusions. Despite efforts to supplement income through notary services and volunteering within the community, income remains insufficient, leading to reliance on maxed-out credit cards and the looming risk of bankruptcy.

I have no one else to turn to. My hope is to return to a stable, manageable life with Spaz. I am still paying for his prior veterinary treatments from when I adopted him three years ago. I am not seeking a handout, just a chance to catch up and regain some breathing room.

The funds that will be donated will go toward paying down the medical and financial debt and helping toward future medical and veterinary cost for Spaz and myself. It is my hope to keep people informed and updated on my progress as long as I am able.