Hi everyone,
My name is Shelby, and I’m a worker-owner at Common Ground Workers Café, a cooperative coffee shop and bakery that I love deeply. When I’m not handling the store’s finances and accounting, you can usually find me in the kitchen — making breakfast and lunch for our beloved customers and keeping things running smoothly alongside my team. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to do that since May of this year, when I developed a disc herniation in my spine that has completely upended my life.
My L4-L5 disc has herniated and is pressing on the sciatic nerve root, causing constant, severe nerve pain that radiates down my left leg. It’s a deep, burning pain that makes standing, sitting, or walking for long periods nearly impossible. I’ve been in pain for months, trying every conservative treatment available — rest, physical therapy, medications, and two rounds of steroid injections — but at this point, surgery is my only option to find relief and prevent permanent nerve damage.
Before this injury, I was a very active person. I loved running, biking, hiking, and exercising regularly — movement has always been a big part of who I am. Now, I’m unable to do even basic physical tasks, and being away from both my work and the activities that grounded me has been incredibly difficult, physically and emotionally.
Over the past few months, I’ve already spent over $2,000 out of pocket on medical care, including:
- 4 specialist visits ($80 each)
- MRI imaging ($350)
- 2 rounds of steroid injections ($750 each)
- Lab work ($50)
- X-ray ($130)
Now, I’m facing another $1,500 copay for spinal surgery, plus follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and other recovery costs. Because I’m a worker-owner at a small cooperative, I don’t have access to paid short-term disability or medical leave, meaning I’ll have no income while I recover.
Altogether, the total cost of surgery, treatment, and lost wages will exceed $5,000 — and that’s why I’ve set this fundraising goal. Your donation will go directly toward:
- Surgery and follow-up medical care
- Physical therapy and recovery support
- Rent, food, and basic living expenses while I’m unable to work
Being part of a worker cooperative like Common Ground has taught me the power of community and mutual care. I’ve always believed in helping others when they’re in need — and now, I’m humbly asking for that same support in return. Every donation, share, or kind message truly means the world to me and brings me one step closer to recovery.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, and for helping me get back to the work, movement, and community I love at Common Ground.
With gratitude,
Shelby