Hi y’all. This isn’t easy to write, so I’m just going to be straight with you. On May 7th, I’m having cervical spine surgery — an ACDF to repair a disc issue in my neck that’s been getting worse for a while. This will be my second neck, and I’m also still recovering from an unexpected female surgery I had just weeks ago. My body has been through a lot lately, and recovery from the ACDF will take about six weeks: no lifting, no turning my head, and no working. I’ve already been off work for three weeks leading up to this, which puts me at about nine weeks total with no income.

For anyone who doesn’t know me outside of Sinclair’s East — I’ve been a lead server there for years, and a lot of you reading this aren’t just regulars, you’re family. You’ve watched me through a lot, and I’ve watched you through a lot too. That’s not something I take lightly. I’m so sorry to have to ask, but in times like this, I don’t know who to call on but friends and family. I am blessed with a very loving and supportive family but except for them I don’t have a safety net — no partner, no backup income, no paid leave. Rent, utilities, groceries, and medical costs keep going whether I can work or not. I’m a proud person and I’ve always made my own way, but this surgery isn’t optional, and neither is eating and keeping a roof over my head while I heal.

Anything helps — whether it’s a donation, a share of this fundraiser, or a kind word. Every dollar goes to keeping the lights on and getting me back to your table as soon as I’m cleared. Thank you for being part of my life. I’ll see you on the other side. — Angi