Mickie: A big opportunity for permanent housing

March 5 - Update: Exciting Progress & a Big Opportunity!

This past week marked a huge milestone for my partner, Jayden, and me—we were finally able to cover all our expenses, take care of a few wants, and still have money left over! We have about $150 in savings and get paid again today, which makes us incredibly proud of the progress we’re making.

Even bigger news: We’ve officially found a permanent place to live! It’s a cozy little house with a fenced-in yard that allows pets, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity. The landlord is private, which was the only way we could get approved, due to my eviction history. So this is a rare and important chance for us to get into stable, long-term housing.

Now, our biggest priority is pulling together the move-in costs as soon as possible:

$1,500 – Security deposit

$1,500 – First month’s rent

$1,500 – Last month’s rent

➡️ Total: $4,500

The sooner we can raise this money, the sooner we can move in—and the less time we have to keep paying $400 per week for our hotel stay, where we also have a challenging time preparing healthy meals without the benefit of a kitchen or fridge. Every bit of support gets us closer to stability and a real home.

On another positive note, my paychecks have finally transitioned to direct deposit, so finances are becoming more predictable!

Thank you all for your love, generosity, and encouragement. We are so close to turning this corner, and your support means the world to us.

Mickie ❤️

February 11 - Quick Update:

Mickie successfully made it to Fort Collins, Colorado, thanks to the help of many kind individuals who helped to fund the trip. They immediately started working double shifts at their new Waffle House location, and overall, things are going well.

However, they are still looking for long-term housing. They have been renting a motel by the week, except that they're out of money and had to put everything in the car before heading to work this afternoon with no place confirmed to sleep tonight. Their first paper check was mistakenly mailed to their old address in NC. They're waiting to receive their second check (direct deposit now) but that won't be issued for another week.

Their car is out of gas, and they are trying to survive for the next week until they start receiving regular income. If you can help tide Mickie over with any small or large donation, it would be so helpful and appreciated! ❤️

Venmo and Cashapp are both enbymickie; OR you can donate through GoFundMe. Thank you!

Mickie's Update: Moving to CO for better healthcare, wages, and quality of life

January 29 Update:

Mickie leaves on their road trip to move to Colorado tomorrow. They could still really use another couple hundred dollars of gas money to make the trip. If you can donate anything, it would be very helpful! Thanks.

January 26 Update:

Around New Year’s, my roommates told me I needed to move out by January 31, as they’re expecting a baby and want to prepare my bedroom as the new nursery. I spent weeks looking for housing where I currently live but was denied all options due to an eviction a few years ago. This leaves me with nowhere to go in my current state, especially not with my pets.

After much thought, my partner and I have decided to move to Longmont, Colorado, where he has family, and wages, social services, and healthcare are better. I will transfer to a new Waffle House location and have a job when I arrive. My partner plans to find a permanent job there but can do short-term shift work in the meantime.

We’ll drive to Colorado with all our belongings and my cat, Loogie. Thankfully, a friend here generously agreed to care for my fish tanks. Once we arrive, I’ll apply for food stamps and Medicaid to save on food and medical expenses, allowing me to prioritize my health and seek the treatments I’ve been postponing due to high costs.

The move is essential, as I’ve been unable to attend doctor’s appointments because I can’t afford the copays, especially with my living expenses and application fees for housing. The improved wages and access to better healthcare in Longmont will help me create a stable living situation, focus on my health, and build a more fulfilling life.

Right now, I especially need help with gas money and funds to get established in Longmont. Your contributions would help cover moving costs and initial expenses in a new city and give me a chance to get back on my feet.

I’m deeply grateful for the support I’ve received so far—it has made an enormous difference in getting me this far. With your continued help, I hope to find stability and take the steps needed for my health journey. This move has the potential to change my life for the better, and I’m so thankful to have you along for the ride.

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November 17, 2024:

In recent months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know an amazing person, Mickie Willeford. Mickie is facing an incredibly challenging time and needs your help. Their health journey has been overwhelming, with multiple issues compounding their ability to work, heal, and thrive.

About Mickie

Mickie works as a server and occasional cook at The Waffle House in Gastonia, North Carolina, earning $2.35 per hour plus tips. They are known and loved by the local patrons who frequent the restaurant, often hoping to be served by Mickie. However, frequent seizures, which have occurred at work, make it dangerous for Mickie to work in many industries, including food service.

In their free time, Mickie finds peace and joy in building fully bioactive, self-contained ecosystems for fish or reptiles. These stunning aquariums reflect Mickie’s creativity and passion, and they’ve even considered starting a small business specializing in these impressive tanks. Mickie also shares their home with their beloved cat, Loogie, who brings them comfort and companionship during challenging times.

Mickie is a creative and compassionate individual who has touched the lives of many with their resilience and kindness. Now, they need our help.

The Medical Situation

Mickie has been diagnosed with a fatty mass near the back of their brain, which may be the cause of seizures (for the last five years) and other symptoms. Before the neurosurgeon can proceed with the critical surgery to remove the tumor, an ongoing infection must first be addressed.

On November 18, Mickie will undergo a series of procedures with an ENT specialist, including:

• Tonsil and adenoid removal

• Ear tube insertion

• Treatment for mastoiditis (a persistent and painful ear infection causing some hearing loss)

This surgery is just the first step in a long road ahead, involving additional surgeries, follow-up appointments with specialists, and ongoing prescription costs.

Why We Need Your Help

Mickie’s health insurance covers only a tiny fraction of these mounting medical expenses. They have already depleted their savings to pay for previous treatments and now face the added burden of taking two weeks off work to recover from this surgery.

We are rallying together to raise $6,700 to cover Mickie’s immediate medical and living expenses over the next month. These funds will go toward:

• Surgery costs not covered by insurance

• Follow-up appointments with specialists

• Essential medications

• Living expenses during recovery

How You Can Help

Mickie is one of the kindest and most resilient people I know. Despite everything life has thrown at them, they approach it with courage and a hopeful spirit. Let’s show Mickie they’re not alone in this fight.

Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in Mickie’s recovery.

Share: Please share this campaign on social media or with friends who might be able to help.

Your generosity and support mean the world to me, Mickie and everyone rooting for their recovery. Let’s help lift the financial burden so Mickie can focus on what matters most—healing.

Thank you for being part of Mickie’s journey to better health.

With gratitude,

Lucia Mumm