Help Teri Martin Overcome This Setback

My Road to Rebuilding - Now Facing an Unexpected Setback

Hi everyone, my name is Teri Martin, and for the past eight years, I've been dedicated to rebuilding my life. After a long journey, I was finally on the verge of financial independence, excited about the ability to pay my bills without constant worry and proud of the self-sufficiency I was achieving.

Last Friday morning, what started as a normal day took an unexpected and devastating turn. While walking into a local shop for coffee, I had a fall that resulted in a broken shoulder. I've since learned that the break is severe – into three pieces, with the top part completely detached. I’ve met with an orthopedist to determine the best course of action. The doctor has presented two difficult options:

Reversal shoulder replacement surgery: This comes with a higher risk of complications and may not fully restore the mobility I need.

Letting it heal naturally: This option carries a significant risk but the potential for less mobility, potentially leaving me unable to lift my arm above waist level.

My choice is surgery.

This injury has profound implications for my livelihood. I support myself. This was a recent and sudden development. I live alone; there is no spousal support.

I work in the classroom as a substitute teacher. I am one assessment away from earning my teaching credential and Masters of Education. In the summer, I provide for myself by teaching people of all ages how to swim – a job that requires full use of my arms. If my mobility is severely limited, I won't be able to teach the crawl, backstroke, or butterfly. While the breaststroke might be possible, the ability to effectively demonstrate and instruct would be gone. Loss of mobility will also impact my ability to work in a classroom as I wouldn't be able to lift my arm to write on a whiteboard. Additionally, I'm in the process of building a coaching business, which is now on hold due to the pain and uncertainty.

Financially, this couldn't have happened at a worse time. After struggling to get by recently, I was on the cusp of a major turning point. I had over $12,000 in contracted income for May and June from swimming lessons and my school paycheck – income that has now vanished. I've had to refund clients, and I'm facing the very real possibility of not being able to pay my rent next month.

Right now, I feel a mix of fear and numbness. The future is uncertain, and the financial burden is overwhelming. I don't know exactly how much I will need, but any support you can offer during this challenging time would be deeply appreciated. Your generosity will help me navigate the immediate financial crisis, cover anticipated medical expenses, and allow me to focus on healing and figuring out how to adapt my life and career moving forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any kindness you can share. Please, if you are unable to offer any financial assistance, it does not mean you cannot help. Please share in your social media space, send prayers and healing {{{{{vibes}}}}}, or send a friendly message of encouragement. Although I have many big, scary feelings about being so publicly vulnerable, my options are limited: I either put aside my ego and ask for help or I become homeless with a broken shoulder and medical bills that will bankrupt me. I’m sharing this and choosing me.

Thank you.