I just received word that my disability appeal was denied. After two years of waiting, countless forms, and multiple medical exams, I'm back to square one and facing another round of appeals.

When I fell on train tracks on Halloween 2023, I never imagined I'd still be unable to work two years later. But post-concussion syndrome doesn't follow predictable timelines. I still wake up with migraines. I still can't drive reliably. My disability attorney has advised me not to do journalism work while my case is pending, which means I can't freelance even when my brain allows it.

This year has been especially brutal financially:

I hate asking for help. I've spent 40 years working and paying into systems that were supposed to catch me when I fell. But those systems are failing, and I'm running out of options.

My daughter is thriving despite everything - honor roll, healthy, loved. I need help keeping it that way while I fight through this next round of appeals.

If you can contribute, thank you. If you can share, thank you. If you're just reading this and sending good thoughts, thank you.

With gratitude,

Liz