Financial Support for Brian Aldridge

Hello all,

It is not easy for me to be vulnerable in this way, but my current situation leaves me with no choice. On May 27th I took a hard fall while riding an off-road trail on my mountain bike. The fall left me with a broken right clavicle and breaks to my top three ribs on the same side. The clavicle was broken into 5 pieces, and thankfully the rib breaks were rather clean. Fortunately for me I have insurance through my job at Natural Grocers, so that is helping to absorb some of the debt I am accumulating through this. 

The unfortunate side of this has been an inability to work. I didn't have enough tenure at my job to apply for assistance through the Family Medical Leave Act. I applied for an was denied for disability through my insurance provider for the exact same reason. I also had very little Sick Time accrued for yet again the same tenure reason. My financial situation was already in bad shape with the loss of income stemming from Covid-19's affect on driving for Uber since mid-March. I have not taken any of this laying down as I applied for and was denied unemployment payments, and I applied for and was denied a PPP loan. Every step of the way in which I had hoped I could receive assistance has so far hit roadblocks. 

Today was my 2nd visit with the orthopedic surgeon and they are saying that I will not require surgery for the clavicle break. I have another couple of visits with them to see how the break continues to heal. The ribs continue to cause pain and discomfort, but are also healing well. I had been cleared to go back to work with restricted duties, but unfortunately my body isn't ready. I worked 3 non-consecutive days under limited duties which resulted in strong pain and inflammation in my ribs. It isn't prudent for me to be back to work for another 2-3 weeks. 

Right now I am in distinct financial needs as I have no money coming in, bills that I are already past due, and bills that are coming up to be due. I am asking for financial assistance so that I may be able to keep a roof over my head, keep my car, and pay what I can to my medical and overdue bills. It is very tough for me to ask for this assistance in this time of unrest and uncertainty that many are experiencing. I need some angels in my life and it requires me to be vulnerable, let go of my pride, and kindly ask. 

Thank you,

Brian