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