Navigating Caregiving and Financial Hardships

My mom means everything to me. I, Dorothy Shipman have faced significant challenges since my mother, Dorthe Shipman, experienced two strokes in September 2022. The first stroke occurred on September 23, 2022, and the second followed shortly after, on September 26, 2022. In response, I took leave from my security job in Maryland to be with my mother in North Carolina, where her health was severely affected. I frequently traveled between Maryland and North Carolina to monitor my mother's condition.

When my mother was discharged from the hospital in October 2022, I was homeless at the time and had to manage living out of a hotel while caring for my mother in a weakened state. I eventually brought my mother to Maryland for better care but continued to live in transient conditions due to my housing situation.

The situation took a toll on me, leading me to take District of Columbia Family and Medical Leave Act (DCFMLA) at the end of March 2023 to dedicate myself to the care of my mother, returning to North Carolina where she lived in a senior apartment. I made the difficult decision to quit my job to ensure my mother received the necessary care, relying on unemployment benefits until January 2024.

Currently, I’m without any income and is struggling to pay for essential expenses, including my car note, car insurance, phone bill, and medication copayments. My mother is now under hospice care, and I continue to serve as her primary caregiver. Throughout this period, I find it incredibly challenging to take care of myself while providing for my ailing mother.

Facing these considerable challenges, I have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication in caring for my mother, Dorthe Shipman, amidst personal hardship and financial strain. As I navigate the complexities of caregiving, financial stability, and personal well-being, the need for support has become critical. Considering these circumstances, I’m seeking financial assistance. This aid would provide crucial support in covering my expenses, and medical copayments, and ensuring the continued care of my mother under hospice care. Financial assistance at this juncture would not only alleviate the immediate financial pressure but also offer the ability to focus more fully on my mother’s care and her well-being during this challenging time.

I sincerely thank you for considering assisting me. Your support would greatly impact my life and my mother's, offering hope and relief in a time of great need.