Help with post injury expenses

Hi! My name is Peggy, and this is my story.

I live in a pretty rural part of a pretty rural state. For most of my life, I’ve worked low-paying jobs, meaning I’ve never been able to save any money. I’ve learned to just get by with what I could earn. But things have changed, dramatically.

Last June, after an injury that seemed at first fairly benign, I started to get some numbness and weakness in my arms. It was occasionally quite painful. By the end of the summer, it was preventing me from doing my jobs properly. My primary care suggested some nerve tests, physical therapy, and a visit with a neurologist.

I had an MRI in January, ordered by the neurologist, followed on 6 February by urgent surgery for a severely herniated disc in my neck. My spinal cord was so compressed, I was told by the neurosurgeon that I was on my way to losing function not just in my arms, but in my legs. He removed the disc, and I’m now convalescing.

I was told, however, that I may not fully regain the function or sensation I’ve lost, and if I do, it could take some time before I’m back to work. If, that is, I’m able to go back to work. In any case, I need money to pay bills, buy food, buy medical supplies, etc. In addition, I have my companion animals to feed. They are my world. I am in the process of applying for disability and any other help I can get, but my workplace doesn’t offer short or long term disability benefits, or even paid vacation time. The local food pantry doesn’t supply animal food. I’ve been living on the little bit of money I had from my last 2 paychecks, which is almost gone, and on the generosity of some friends.

Please, if you can, spare a bit to help me out. I really hate asking. If you can’t spare anything, please share. I was a volunteer firefighter for about 6 years, and an EMT for 25, so I’m used to being able bodied and working. This is a soul crushing position for me. Thank you for reading this far, and thanks for your consideration.