Hello. My name is Kristina Ragusa, I am the daughter of the person who this fundraiser is intended for.

My mother, Josephine Ragusa, has been suffering with Osteoarthritis of both her knees for years now, with her condition only worsening. She goes to receive tri-monthly Cortizone shots to reduce the swelling and pain, but these do not provide long enough relief for her to live comfortably. Her pain has gotten so bad that it impacts both her personal life and work life, and she struggles to do much without being in excruciating pain.

Joint replacement surgery is the best possible solution to her current condition, but she will need a 2-month recovery afterwards, leaving her with not enough income to upkeep on bills. Her current insurance plan will not renew to apply for short-term disability until May, and she is worried that she won't have enough money through disability alone to cover her expenses. She has not gotten the surgery yet for these reasons.

She is a hard-working woman, and she has done so much good for so many people. My mother is so sweet and patient, and she has always put the needs of others before her own. She stuck beside my father when he was suffering himself with ALS (The man in the second photo -- I have blurred his face as he is no longer with us and to respect his identity). My sister and I work jobs ourselves, too, but there is not enough income across all of our paychecks to fully support my mom to get the surgery and help her pay her bills during recovery.

In such a cutthroat world, we do our best, but my heart can't stand to hear her suffer any longer, and to know that all I am currently doing is not enough to rid her of her pain is torture. I started this GoFundMe out of desperation.

The funds raised will be used to cover basic necessities, such as food and bills as my mom makes her recovery. My sister and I will continue to work at the same time.

Even just a single dollar will go a long way, and by no means are you ever obligated to donate. I'm aware we're all weaving through our lives the best we can, and it is really hard for a lot of people just like me and my family, but I can still appreciate the time you took out of your day to read my mother's story. So, for that; Thank you.