Keep the lights on and a roof over my head

I'm not going to sugarcoat this...

I’m ashamed and humiliated to admit that I desperately need financial help right now. I'm broke, and now I'm forced to swallow my pride and ask for a helping hand.

After my wife passed away last December, I had to take a much needed sabbatical from work. I was exhausted and emotionally drained. My health was declining, and I found myself making more and more mistakes with my work. On my doctor's advice, I had to walk away for a while to recharge my batteries, regroup and try to put my life back together.

Although my insurance covered the majority of Celeste's medical bills (in excess of 20 to 30 million dollars easily), I still had to clean out my savings account to cover the rest of the costs.

Now add to that, my inability to work and draw a paycheck for the last 8 months.

I filed for disability, but it was held up due to a clerical error that I had to appeal. However, I won't be able to plead my case before a judge until next April. So until then, I won't see a dime of my claim.

In the meantime, I have been borrowing money and living off of the kindness and generosity of family and friends just to stay afloat. But that money has all run out. My savings have been wiped out. My credit cards are all maxed out. My banks won't give me a loan. So here I am...

Against my doctor's advice, I ditched the idea of collecting my disability anytime soon. Luckily, last week I found a couple of freelance jobs, but I won't collect a paycheck for at least several more weeks

The bottom line is the new month is right around the corner, my bills are piling up, and I can't afford to pay any of them.

If I can't pay my bills, then I will lose everything

If I can't pay my utilities, then my power will be shut off

If I can't pay for my internet service, then I can't continue to work

If I can't work, then I can't pay my union dues

If I can't pay my union dues, then no studio will hire me, and my insurance will be canceled

If I can't pay my rent, then I will lose my home

And well... you know where it goes from there

So please, if you can find it in your heart to help me out in any way during this stressful time, my gratitude knows no bounds.

Thank you so much!

Doug