My family and I are facing one of the most difficult times of our lives.

After several recent surgeries for both my spouse and myself, we’ve been overwhelmed by mounting hospital bills and now face the very real threat of home foreclosure. These medical emergencies have made it impossible for us to keep up with payments and other essential expenses. If you know me personally, you’ve probably seen me on crutches, scooters, wheelchairs, knee scooters, and more over the last several years.

I (Ben) have been living with type 1 diabetes for the last 20 years, along with its ongoing complications and the constant effort to manage my condition. Over the years, I’ve had six foot surgeries and one serious knee surgery, which have made it even harder to stay on my feet and work. My wife, Cherie, works full time while managing Crohn’s disease and all the challenges it brings. We’ve both been out of work multiple times over the last few years due to health emergencies.

Now, we are facing possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes on top of medical bills. Insurance issues mean I will be paying 100% out-of-pocket for future care, and different insurance or Medicaid take time to get started. Time we simply don’t have. With short-term disability and our insurance running out, and with me far from healed, every day is a struggle: keeping our home, managing our health, and covering basic needs like vehicle repairs so we can get to appointments and work. I've gone "back to work" several times now. I don't think I can this time.

We continue to follow the steps to receive help or benefits from organizations, but most don’t qualify us. We’re used to “the struggle,” but it’s slowly overtaking us.

We are reaching out to our community for help during this incredibly tough period. Any support you can offer, whether a donation or simply sharing our campaign means the world to us.

We've fortunately never been in the position to beg. How times change. Here we are! I know it’s hard for everyone right now, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity.