Kat's Fight: Overcome Injury & Hardship
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Hi, I’m Katherine Amy Vega.
I’m a creative professional and accessibility advocate trying to survive an overwhelming series of crises - and I urgently need help to avoid losing my home.
I am a sincere and hard worker and have experienced significant academic, career, and artistic success over my lifetime. And yet... Over the past decade, I’ve also endured chronic illness, job instability, unsafe relationships, and deep financial hardship. In just the last year alone:
- In December 2024, I was laid off from a job where I had delivered high-impact work. I have not been hired for a new job yet.
- I was hit by two separate drivers - one accident totaled my car and left me injured.
- I applied for disability, but that process is likely to take years.
- I’ve continued freelance work through constant stress and medical disruption.
- I broke my ankle and am currently unable to walk.
- I’m now at risk of losing my medical coverage. (6/26/25 UPDATE: I am no longer at risk of losing my medical coverage! However, my unemployment benefits have been cut off due to an error on the Arizona Department of Economic Security's end.)
- I've endured a continuous runaround due to the errors of systems of government agencies, putting the above - as well as my nutrition assistance (EBT) - at risk.
- I’ve had to report the unemployment debit card provider to the CFPB because I couldn’t even transfer my benefits to pay bills.
I’ve been resilient and gritty time and again. I’ve kept showing up for clients. But I’ve exhausted every option.
I’m raising funds to:
- Cover essential expenses like my mortgage, utilities, and essential living expenses.
- Care for my four cats, who are my family
- Cover car repairs and transportation after multiple accidents
- Bridge the gap until I can safely and sustainably return to steady income
Please know: larger total donations may impact my government assistance - even if they aren’t enough to fully cover my needs. GoFundMe also subtracts fees, and donations may be taxed. (UPDATE: According to my research, unless they are continuous donations, GoFundMe donations are gifts and do not need to be reported as income.)
Your support will help me stay housed, stay insured, care for my animals, and recover enough to work again.
Even small contributions help (and I don't judge any donation size) - and sharing this campaign means the world.
Thank you so much!
Kat
Organizer
Katherine Amy Vega
Organizer
Mesa, AZ