My name is Kim, and for the past five weeks, I have been unable to work due to serious health challenges. I have COPD, and recently I contracted RSV, which quickly turned into pneumonia and landed me in the hospital. Since then, I have been on oxygen at home, and my daily life has changed dramatically. The medical bills are piling up, and I have no income coming in right now. I have already had several visits to my pulmonary specialist in just a couple of weeks. Today, I even had to ask if they could bill me for my appointment so I could afford my prescriptions.
On top of my medical worries, I am deeply concerned about keeping my home. I purchased this house a couple of years ago and have put my heart and soul into making it a home. I have never been late on a payment—in fact, I always pay two weeks early. Now, with five months ahead of me and no income, I am afraid of what might happen. I can’t sleep at night, not knowing how I will manage to keep my home and cover my basic needs.
I also learned today that by pushing myself physically—believing in 'no pain, no gain'—I was actually hurting my heart, not building up my tolerance as I thought. This news has been difficult to process, and it’s made me realize how important it is to listen to my body and take things one day at a time.
My doctor is helping me apply for Social Security Disability, but I have learned there is a five-month waiting period before I can receive any assistance. I am doing everything I can to get by, but I am worried about how I will survive until then. Any amount given will help me in so many ways—covering my copays, prescriptions, and hopefully allowing me to purchase a smaller oxygen generator. Right now, I rely on large metal tanks that are considered portable, but they are heavy and make it hard for me to go outside or even to the store. A smaller generator would give me some independence back and help me get fresh air and take care of myself.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story. If you are not able to donate, please share my story. Your kindness and support mean the world to me during this difficult time.
On top of my medical worries, I am deeply concerned about keeping my home. I purchased this house a couple of years ago and have put my heart and soul into making it a home. I have never been late on a payment—in fact, I always pay two weeks early. Now, with five months ahead of me and no income, I am afraid of what might happen. I can’t sleep at night, not knowing how I will manage to keep my home and cover my basic needs.
I also learned today that by pushing myself physically—believing in 'no pain, no gain'—I was actually hurting my heart, not building up my tolerance as I thought. This news has been difficult to process, and it’s made me realize how important it is to listen to my body and take things one day at a time.
My doctor is helping me apply for Social Security Disability, but I have learned there is a five-month waiting period before I can receive any assistance. I am doing everything I can to get by, but I am worried about how I will survive until then. Any amount given will help me in so many ways—covering my copays, prescriptions, and hopefully allowing me to purchase a smaller oxygen generator. Right now, I rely on large metal tanks that are considered portable, but they are heavy and make it hard for me to go outside or even to the store. A smaller generator would give me some independence back and help me get fresh air and take care of myself.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story. If you are not able to donate, please share my story. Your kindness and support mean the world to me during this difficult time.