Financial assistance for Long-COVID patient.

Introduction:

Over the course of the global pandemic I’ve suffered through the horrible effects of COVID multiple times. Despite taking all possible precautions and safety measures, this has left me with persisting symptoms without any guarantees of if or when my condition will improve. This is referred to as long-COVID and has unfortunately left me unable to work and financially support myself. After having waited an extended period of time to be accepted onto government assistance programs, I’ve found that the amount I’m now receiving isn’t enough to cover basic living expenses like rent, utilities, medication and food. Being unable to work due to my ongoing condition, I have no other source of income to make up this difference. Facing the imminent threat of homelessness, starvation and the inability to afford the necessary medications. For that reason I’m here asking for your assistance in making it through this difficult situation.

My Story:

The last number of years has been challenging for everyone. But we’ve also witnessed people coming together as a community to help each other pull through these difficult times. Despite doing everything possible to keep myself and others safe, including vaccinations, masks, social distancing and following other public health recommendations, I’ve been unfortunate enough to suffer the effects of COVID multiple times. This ongoing struggle has left me with serious symptoms which still persist to this day.. These symptoms, which include difficulty breathing, chest pain, extreme fatigue, along with a number of others have left me unable to work and often make even simple tasks difficult to complete. It’s unknown if or how long recovery from this issue is expected to take. Currently a number of medications do assist in making these symptoms and living with them daily slightly more manageable.

Being unable to work also means I haven’t been able to financially support myself. With there currently being no end in sight to my medical issues, Knowing this I applied and was eventually accepted onto government financial assistance programs, the money received will help going forward in future months. Unfortunately the amount the government is paying in financial assistance simply can’t cover living expenses for anyone, including myself. With the ever increasing cost of food, rent and other necessities the amount I’m currently receiving wouldn’t be enough to keep a roof over my head, food in my stomach or the cost of any non covered medications that my doctor has prescribed to me. Unfortunately this leaves me with no other options to seek a sustainable source of income to cover monthly expenses. Which is what I’m hoping this campaign can help to cover.

Asking for help has always been something I've found very difficult, and putting personal information online is something I’ve spent years avoiding doing. This is largely due to a past abusive relationship that has created the necessity for me to remain cautious and selective with identifying information both online and offline in order to avoid that situation becoming a problem once again. But the serious nature of my current financial and health problems, and without any family to assist me, this has become my only remaining option.

Spending Breakdown:

Below I’ve listed the approximate per month cost of necessary bills and required purchases. Medication amounts change regularly at my doctor's discretion and what meds the government covers the cost of. I’ve also listed the amount I'm currently receiving in government assistance in order to show exactly what my financial issues and needs are.. Any money donated to this campaign would be spent in this way, spending only the bare minimum amount required to ensure any money given lasts as long as possible. This includes having reduced my costs by eating only once per day as well as cutting out any unnecessary spending. I want to be certain any money received is spent carefully and sparingly as ensuring it is used in the best possible and most necessary way.

—Monthly Expenses and Income—

Rent: $1397.76

Utilities: $172.48

Medications: $148.32

Groceries: $380

Total Expenses: $2098.56

Government Assistance Received: $1670

Difference: $428.56

(Plus GoFundMe and other fees paid)

Approximate money needed per month: $450

The above numbers show I would need to raise approximately $450 each month to be able to afford monthly bills and expenses in order to survive. Having already cut down costs to the absolute minimum necessary, turning to this campaign to receive some continued support is my only and final option to avoid homelessness, starvation and a worsening medical condition.

The financial goal of this campaign will be increased every month to meet required monthly funds. Any money raised above the goal will be put towards the following month's expenses.

Conclusion:

To anyone who’s made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read this. I understand many of us are facing unprecedented challenges in these troubled times, but anything you can give will make a massive difference in my life. If you’re unable to give, simply sharing this campaign can also go a long way.