Hi everyone,

This is honestly one of the hardest things I’ve had to write.

Earlier this year, I was laid off from my job. After losing my income, I tried to hold onto my apartment for as long as I could, but the rent was around $1,800 a month and eventually it just became impossible to keep up with. I was able to stay there until mid-March before finally having to move into a van to try and cut costs and stay afloat.

I ended up living in the van for about two months while trying to figure things out and keep moving forward.

Then things got worse. At one point, I burned my foot and didn’t even realize how serious it was at the time. A few days later, when it still wasn’t getting better, I finally went to the hospital and was told I had third-degree burns. That moment was the beginning of a long stretch of health problems and complications that slowly started affecting every part of my life.

Since then, I’ve been dealing with ongoing health issues that have made day-to-day life increasingly difficult. Fatigue that doesn’t go away. Pain and discomfort that come and go without warning. One of the biggest and scariest issues has been episodes where I become extremely lightheaded and dizzy while standing, and at times have passed out without warning. It’s made it difficult to feel safe or stable, and it’s affected nearly every part of my life.

Because of all of this, I’ve been classified as disabled and have filed for disability benefits. I started the process back in June of last year, but I’m still waiting for approval. It’s been almost a year, and the process has been slow and frustrating, and in the meantime I’ve had no real financial stability while I wait.

I’ve tried to push through everything and keep things as normal as possible, but the truth is, it’s gotten harder and harder just to get through the basics.

I’ve since been approved for Medicaid, which has helped a lot with medical coverage and care. I’m incredibly grateful for that support, and it’s taken a huge weight off in terms of medical expenses and treatment.

My family has tried to help where they can, and I’m deeply thankful for that, but they’re dealing with their own struggles and challenges too. I hate feeling like a burden to the people I care about.

Very recently, I was finally placed into an adult foster home, which at least means I no longer have to worry about moving back into the van. That has been a huge relief after months of instability and uncertainty.

Even with that support in place, I’m still struggling to stay afloat financially while I continue waiting for disability to be processed and trying to stabilize my life. The funds raised would help with basic living expenses, personal necessities, transportation, and the day-to-day costs that still add up while I focus on my health and recovery.

I know at this time, when the cost of living seems to just keep going up—fuel, food, and other basic necessities—it makes everything even harder to manage.

I’m not looking for sympathy—I’m just trying to get through a difficult stretch and give myself a real chance to rebuild.

If you’re able to help, anything would mean more than I can properly express.

If you can’t donate, sharing this would honestly mean just as much.

I’ve always tried to handle things on my own, so putting this out there isn’t easy. But I know I can’t keep doing this alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any support you can give.

— Brian