Hey all, my name is Shane. I had hoped not to do this, but after what I can only describe as a series of unfortunate events, I am quite literally broke, and have a high amount of debt from unfortunate mostly-medical circumstances hanging over me as well. As things stand, I will not be able to make rent at the end of this month, or be able to pay any other bills as a result. I also cannot afford health insurance.

This all started in the summer of 2024. What I thought was food poisoning or a stomach bug turned into a terrible illness that lasted two months, and which doctors were never able to fully identify, other than that it was something to do with my stomach. There were weeks of constant vomiting, and I was often unable to keep down even just a little water. This resulted in many visits to the doctor, urgent care, and emergency room, as well as two stays in the hospital. I eventually recovered, but it was months before I was back to full strength.

Things just sort of stayed bad from there. Over the past year and a half, I was hit with a cracked crown that needed replacing, as well as two bacterial infections that knocked me out for several weeks each, additional mysterious bouts of abdominal pain, and worst of all, lengthy periods of severe mental health issues, all of which resulted in me taking multiple extended periods of leave from work. This was unpaid leave, and I had to rely on state temporary disability insurance during those periods. The U.S. being what it is, this was nowhere near enough to cover my needs, and I rapidly ate through my savings. I have also needed to see a mental health specialist on a monthly basis, sometimes more, which my health insurance did not cover very well.

Everything came to a head over the past few months. Realizing that my job was contributing to my intense mental health and physical health issues, I left the position for the sake of said health. I almost immediately got a new job, but it is a temporary position with no health insurance, to tide me over until I can lock into something more permanent again. In the short amount of space I spent in between these two jobs, a second crown fully broke apart and needed replacing. I was technically still on my old insurance at the time, but my insurance fully rejected the dental coverage, and I was forced to pay for the entire crown replacement procedure out of pocket.

A year and a half of bad luck and endless medical and dental bills, as well as inadequate health coverage, medication needs, grocery needs, and other bills, has used up almost every dollar that I have and left me with overwhelming credit card debt. I receive my first paycheck at my new job in a few days, but it will only be for my first week of employment, and I will have nowhere near enough to deal with my needs (and my luck being what it is, payroll is having issues getting my hours correct due to technical issues that may or may not affect the size of said first paycheck). I am on the verge of disaster, and if I am completely honest, pretty scared of what might happen in a few weeks if I don’t find a way to deal this.

So, I’m coming to you for help. Any money raised by this campaign will go strictly toward my urgent necessities: rent, bills, and if I can manage it, health insurance. I'm looking for $10,000 total, though I understand I may not come anywhere near that. If by some miracle I surpass the goal, any additional money will go toward paying down my medical debt.

I know these are tough times for a lot of folks out there. I know I’m not unique in my situation. But if you’re able to contribute, you’re helping me to keep going at one of the lowest periods of my life, and you will have my eternal gratitude. Thank you.