Hey y'all, I'm Kandi and I need a little help.

I have torn my posterior tibial tendon and even tho I've tried non surgical ways to heal it using braces and physical therapy, it has to be repaired surgically.

I've always been the sole provider for my son and we are now in his senior year! Anybody that has a senior or been thru senior year knows it's very expensive. From cap and gown packages, the dues, pictures, SAT and ACT tests and for us coming in November...early action college application fees!

On top of being an A student, my son is also a student athlete. Playing football and running both indoor and outdoor track. Adding to the things he needs. I say need because with the rigorous school work he has and will have being active is a necessity for mental health and health in general! I never want to take that away from him. All kids (and adults) should be encouraged to be active!

I averaged 120+ hours each check so I can make everything happen but in the last 2 months my injury has gotten to the point where I only have about 3 good hours of walking until I have to really slow down and be meticulous about my movements since the pain gets so bad.

Despite this, I still work my 12+hr shifts and I always take care of my patients with a smile! Because of this it's extremely hard to even get through my required 3 shifts so all the overtime I used to do to sustain has been dramatically cut leaving me bringing home checks with just 72hrs.

Meaning I've gone thru the money I had saved, most of which was going to be used for a car for my son when he turned 18.

So that was just a little background to the situation but here is THE NEED: I am scheduled for surgery November 10, 2025. I made it a little ways away so I could work some more and most importantly I wanted to be able to walk my son across the field for senior night.

Even tho I do have short-term disability it is only 60% of my base pay! I've only had my base pay these last 2 months and I had to use my savings to supplement so I'm scared I am going to drown during my recovery.

Tentatively, recovery is supposed to be 6-8 weeks non weight bearing then progression from there with physical therapy for 2+ months until I am back to normal. I am really hoping to be back to work at 6 weeks but I work in a hospital and my days consist of non stop walking from patient to patient and back again so I'm scared I won't be cleared to go back as soon as I would like. I would go back with a knee scooter right after surgery but liability and words like that are thrown around when I bring it up lol.

I am also applying to WFH jobs so I will be able to make up the difference myself. I will gladly take referrals as donations as well!

Thank you for reading a little piece of my story and for donating and/or sharing.