Help Me Through This Difficult Season

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my story.

For those who don’t already know me, my name is Victor Wade. Many of you may know me from my years working in television, with the City of Odessa, or through my marketing work here in West Texas. Throughout my life, I’ve always believed in working hard, taking care of my responsibilities, and helping others whenever I could. Asking for help has never come easily to me, which is why this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write.

I have been unable to work since January 2024 because of serious health problems. I live with chronic back pain and other physical limitations that make standing, walking, sitting for extended periods, and performing regular work increasingly difficult. Along with the physical challenges, I’ve also struggled with depression and anxiety as my health and financial situation have worsened.

After it became clear I could no longer continue working, I hired a disability attorney and applied for Social Security Disability benefits. My claim is still pending, and while I remain hopeful, the process has taken much longer than I expected.

Over the past two years, I’ve done everything I could think of before asking for help. I’ve sold many of my personal belongings and collectibles to pay for housing, utilities, insurance, medical expenses, and everyday living costs. Those resources are beginning to run out, and I’m now facing a financial situation I never imagined I would be in.

As my finances continued to decline, I eventually reached the point where I could no longer keep up with my credit card payments. As a result, three creditors have filed lawsuits against me. I also explored bankruptcy as a way to get a fresh start, but every attorney I consulted required around $3,000 in upfront legal fees—money I simply don’t have.

Even through all of this, I’m continuing to do everything I can. I’m working with my disability attorney, staying engaged with my doctors, following up on my disability claim, and exploring every legitimate option available to move forward.

There is a reason I’m hopeful. At the end of October, I become eligible to begin receiving retirement benefits from my years of public service. Based on my current estimate, those benefits should provide around $1,000 per month. While that won’t solve everything, it should take a significant amount of pressure off my finances and help reduce my need to continue selling my belongings just to survive.

My goal isn’t to have others solve all of my problems. I’m simply asking for help getting through these next few months. If I can bridge the gap until my retirement benefits begin, address my debts through bankruptcy if necessary, and continue waiting for a decision on my Social Security Disability claim, I truly believe I can begin rebuilding my life and regaining financial stability.

If you choose to donate, every contribution—no matter the amount—will go toward basic living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, medical care, and other essential expenses while I work toward getting back on my feet.

If you’re unable to donate, I completely understand. Sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much to me and could help it reach someone who is able to help.

Most of all, I ask for your prayers. My faith in God has carried me through some of the darkest days of my life and continues to give me hope that better days are ahead. I trust that He is walking with me through this difficult season, and I am deeply grateful for every act of kindness, encouragement, and support.

Whether you donate, share this fundraiser, or simply keep me in your prayers, thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness means more to me than I can express, and I look forward to the day when I can once again be in a position to help others.

God bless,

Victor Wade