Yes, this is the second time I'm doing this in two years. I hoped and planned to be in a much better place, but my health and the universe had other plans...

Due to not making enough at my old job at the Post Office, I decided to live on what was left of my 401K after my divorce. I was living as frugal as I could, trying to stretch the money out. I also moved in with an old friend and her dad who offered to let me stay at their place until I got back on my feet.

I lost my job at the Post Office right before Christmas. Shortly after that, my health took a dive...

I have lymph edema. This is caused by, and complicated by numerous factors. The main causes are my blood pressure, weight, and salt/sugar intake. I'm on BP meds, but without insurance, it's hard to dial those meds in to what I need. I'm working on losing weight and reducing my salt and sugar, but eating healthy is also damn hard to do when poor.

As for secondary causes: Edema is affected by gravity, pressure, and temperature. I'm supposed to be in bed with my legs elevated. Between time on my computer, household chores, and having William all this extra time when his mom is working shows or doing business trips makes THAT impossible. Not to mention that we've had record breaking heat this Summer.

Now, for the main side effect of edema: Any cuts or scrapes on my lower extremities become pressure release valves for the lymph fluid, preventing them from healing. I had some cuts and scraped on both shins, and on the back of my left ankle that just oozed, not healing. I was getting worried about infection, so I looked into ways to prevent that.

During this time, I've had some severe reactions to a couple topical treatments, causing severe blistering of the wounds. These reactions opened me up to multiple infections. Twice the infection was so bad that I had to be admitted to the hospital for week-long stays to get a barrage of tests and IV antibiotics.

These two weeks in the hospital plus around a dozen doctor visits, prescription meds, OTC meds, ointments, special wound dressings for this type of injury without insurance has depleted my savings WAY faster than I could imagine. Hell, one of the prescription ointments cost $900 a tube! I haven't done a detailed summary, but this all set me back at least $15,000 the past 7-8 months.

On top of all this... Right as I started looking into public assistance (Welfare, SNAP, Disability, housing, etc...), my friend and her dad inform me that I have to move out ASAP; I'm no longer welcome here. So, I've been filling out the mountains of paperwork for these services, but my six year old son and I have to be out before I will even find out if I qualify for any of these services. I'm nearly broke again, but still have to pay my cell bill and car insurance. (I'll be shutting off my internet when I leave) Then there's food for my son and I, plus gas to take him to camp/daycare/school. If I find a place to live, that is.

How the donations will be used... Any money collected will be put towards:

Car insurance

Overdue oil change to keep car running

Gas for visiting Social Workers and transporting my son

Phone bill, as this will be my ONLY communication

My son's daycare and health insurance

Special dietary needs that food bank might not fill

Any medical expenses before Medicaid is approved

OTC meds and wound dressings not covered by Medicaid