Mike's Hit-and-Run Recovery Fund
Donation protected
Since July, 2014 I have been recovering from a hit and run accident that took place in New York City. Over the last 7 months I have been teaching myself computer programming and algorithm scripting. Since October I have finally begun to walk again on my own. On Halloween 2017 I became a certified Front End Developer. It is not possible for me to travel to get to work due to lack of a vehicle or the financial resources to hire transportation daily. I have been applying to jobs for several months now and have not been able to secure any temporary or remote work to date. While I am struggling to pay rent and meet other basic needs, I continue to sharpen my skills daily in an effort to maintain positivity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
I have already had two surgeries on my right ankle, with multiple other injuries yet to be repaired in my shoulder, neck, hip and knee. With over 1.5 years of physical therapy already behind me, there is still a long road ahead to my physical recovery. This is to say nothing of the mental illnesses I have taken on throughout the past 3+ years, both PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. Before my daily battle with my financial and physical condition can even begin, I must win the battle against these illnesses for that day. This does not always happen.
I am under threat of eviction. My landlord has been inexplicably kind and patient throughout this process, and I have already had one of my months of rent paid for by friends. Landlords do not rent out properties to lose money though, and they will be well within their rights to serve me notice any day now.
Despite the evidence based reasons to give up, I have fought back at every step of the way and have at times even found a way to improve myself. Before the accident I was a full time musician, and supporting myself using skill sets that I have taught myself is something I take pride in. My main goal is to do this again. While I have sought assistance from programs such as the DSS, SNAP, SSD, Acces-VR, Gateway Industries, Ulster County Office of Employment and Training, Mental Health Association of Ulster County, PEOPLe Inc. (and failed to receive any assistance), my intention has always been to support myself entirely through the self-taught skill set of Computer Programming and Web Development. I need help to get to a place where I can create a sustainable income, but have no desire to manipulate or depend on that help once I am in a position to succeed.
Any funds received through this process will go immediately to the landlord to maintain my residence, and to my utility providers to maintain my electricity and heat.
Profile of Programming Projects
Thank you,
Michael Leary
I have already had two surgeries on my right ankle, with multiple other injuries yet to be repaired in my shoulder, neck, hip and knee. With over 1.5 years of physical therapy already behind me, there is still a long road ahead to my physical recovery. This is to say nothing of the mental illnesses I have taken on throughout the past 3+ years, both PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. Before my daily battle with my financial and physical condition can even begin, I must win the battle against these illnesses for that day. This does not always happen.
I am under threat of eviction. My landlord has been inexplicably kind and patient throughout this process, and I have already had one of my months of rent paid for by friends. Landlords do not rent out properties to lose money though, and they will be well within their rights to serve me notice any day now.
Despite the evidence based reasons to give up, I have fought back at every step of the way and have at times even found a way to improve myself. Before the accident I was a full time musician, and supporting myself using skill sets that I have taught myself is something I take pride in. My main goal is to do this again. While I have sought assistance from programs such as the DSS, SNAP, SSD, Acces-VR, Gateway Industries, Ulster County Office of Employment and Training, Mental Health Association of Ulster County, PEOPLe Inc. (and failed to receive any assistance), my intention has always been to support myself entirely through the self-taught skill set of Computer Programming and Web Development. I need help to get to a place where I can create a sustainable income, but have no desire to manipulate or depend on that help once I am in a position to succeed.
Any funds received through this process will go immediately to the landlord to maintain my residence, and to my utility providers to maintain my electricity and heat.
Profile of Programming Projects
Thank you,
Michael Leary
Organizer
Mike Leary
Organizer
New Paltz, NY
