Hi, I am Tim and I desperately need your help. This last year has been terrible, and I am in dire need of some financial help to make it by and to help provide for my two little boys. In May I was downsized from my job and haven't been able to work since then. I have not been able to work due to a severe medical issue discovered shortly after being let go. After having to see a neurologist, an orthopedist, and finally a spine specialist, it was discovered that the contact leads from a neurostimulator implanted seven years ago to stop the agonizing pain in my arm from a lower neck spinal fusion had begun to cause scar tissue which was crushing my spinal cord. I ended up getting a spinal fusion from the second bone below my head to the bottom of my neck. Yes, it is very painful and to make it worse, the doctor informed me that at the age of 47 I was now going to have to get a new profession, as being a chef or other restaurant professional again like I had been for the last 34 years could possibly cripple me. My neck would not be able to take it. I am now going to have to start at the bottom again and learn a new trade when I am physically able to . Unfortunately, the doctor cannot at this point give me a date when I can even return to work.
At about the same time, my wife of 19 years at first told me that I was lying about the pain just to get medication.  I have been sober over three and a half years, did I mention that? When she found out there was a real problem, she didn't want to deal with it or me, forced me to leave my house, and filed for divorce. My past history is no help in this matter. We are attempting to mediate rather than give everything we own to the courts and lawyers, but even that is tedious and time consuming and the longer it takes, the higher the bills stack up.
I cannot even have my children over to visit me in the house where I rent a room, as children aren't exactly welcome. When I had them over for Christmas Eve, a date I had checked weeks in advance when the other roommates, who are all in various forms of recovery as well, and the landlord's dogs were all supposed to be out of town, it didn't quite work out that way. My nine year old ended up being bitten by one of the dogs. I am a nice guy who is swallowing my pride and asking for help. The money will help pay back due rent, medical bills, help buy food and necessities until I can get back on my feet, and I could use it right away. Thank you in advance for everyone who contributes, and my boys thank you as well. Please share this with your friends, be as generous as you can, and remember that every little bit helps.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Tim