Hello, my name is Irene. I’m a 68‑year‑old disabled widow living in North Carolina.

I was diagnosed many years ago with neurosarcoidosis, a serious autoimmune disease that eventually limited my ability to work. In 2020, during the pandemic, I lost my husband, Steve, to cancer. After his passing, I was left on my own with a fixed income and ongoing health challenges.

During periods without health insurance and after income loss, I was forced to rely on credit cards to cover medical care. Like many people, I did everything I could to stay current on my obligations. Unfortunately, I could not keep up, and that credit card debt turned into court judgments.

I now have 12 days to respond to the court. Because of how the process works, my home could be at risk.

On paper, my house shows equity due to the housing market — but in reality it needs significant repairs. I cannot afford those repairs, and selling the home in its current condition would not leave me with enough to secure stable housing elsewhere. My Social Security income alone does not qualify me for rentals today.

I am asking for help to:

• Pay the court judgments

• Complete essential home repairs

• Create a small financial cushion so I can remain safely housed

My goal is $25,000 to fully resolve the debt and stabilize my situation. I worked hard my entire life with over 42 years in the workforce. I am swallowing my pride to protect the home I’ve lived in for over 22 years.

If you can donate, I am deeply grateful. If you can’t, sharing my story means just as much.

Thank you for reading with compassion.

— Irene