I am Lance. My wife is a disabled vet who cannot get benefits from the Marine Corps even though she has an honorable discharge, and I am the only income for our family.

I got a phone call from my wife on February 7, 2025, at 1 am. She had gone to the store for a soda and locked her keys in the house, so I left work to let her in because it was 5 degrees outside, and I didn't want her to be trapped out in the cold for 6 hours waiting for me to get off work. When I got home, I unlocked the door, and on my way back to the truck to get back to work, I slipped on the ice and broke my leg in 3 places and dislocated my ankle.

I had been putting in a lot of overtime getting back property taxes and bills caught up before we lose our house. Then this happened. I always help everyone and never ask for anything because I've always been able to work hard and long to achieve my goals. Now, I have no ability to even help myself and need help to keep my bills paid and to get my back taxes caught up. I do not know for sure how long I will be unable to work; my best hope is 6 to 8 weeks, but I will not know until I see my surgeon again in another week.

I would appreciate anything that anyone can do. I don't want anyone to give anything they can't easily afford. I don't want anyone to put themselves or their families in a hard spot for me and my problem, but I honestly can use the help now.

Thank you for reading and thank you for any help you can give.

Lance