Hi, my name is Victoria, and I’m asking for help during an unexpected medical hardship. I truly hate to ask for this and would not be reaching out if I had any other option. I recently had to undergo two major surgeries sooner than anticipated a C4/C5 spinal fusion and an ulnar nerve release. I spent ten days in the hospital and have been told I cannot return to work for eight to nine weeks.

I am an independent contractor and rent a chair at a salon. This means I do not receive paid leave, and my ability to keep my job depends on continuing to pay my chair rent even while I am unable to work. If I am unable to pay during my recovery, I will lose my chair and the client base I have worked hard to build, leaving me without a job to return to once I heal.

I also work part time supporting an adult with intellectual disabilities, but I cannot return until my recovery is complete. At this time, I have no income.

Before surgery, I purchased short term disability insurance believing it would cover 60 percent of my income. Unfortunately, I was misinformed and did not have the correct plan. I have applied for assistance, but most programs will not be available until January. The funds raised will help cover my salon chair rent, housing costs, insurance, and utilities bills while I heal. Any support, whether through a donation or sharing this page, truly means more than I can express. Thank you so much for your kindness and understanding.