In January 2019, while teaching university in Cambodia, having worked abroad for the past 20 years, I was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). It is a condition in which excess fluid collects in the brain, causes pressure on brain tissue, and results in a variety of Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. My most troubling symptoms are extreme fatigue, depression, mood changes, lack of concentration, memory loss, unsteady gait and a variety of vision problems.

As a result of the diagnosis and the attendant symptoms, I was encouraged to resign from my job. Lacking any alternative, I returned to New York City in March. I am unable to work, and I am currently living in a homeless shelter. Thankfully I am on Medicaid, but am having trouble getting by on the basic funds I receive from the city’s coffers.

NPH can often be cured through surgery, but it may take several months of medical assessments until surgery is confirmed as a treatment option for me. Even if surgery is recommended and is successful, it is likely quite some time until I can return to work. In the meantime, I will be relying on public assistance.

Your donation will help me in several ways:

First, because it is very difficult for me to stay awake for more than a few hours at a time and there are no safe daytime sleeping options for the homeless. I need to ride the subway, now $3 a ride, from midtown to visit family/friends who let me sleep at their homes during the day.

Second, it is difficult to survive in NYC on a monthly welfare payment (food stamps plus cash assistance), and your help will ensure I can afford necessities such as food, laundry and so forth.

Third, your donation will allow me to replace worn-out clothing or buy clothes more suited to the NYC climate.

Lastly, when I am finally assigned permanent housing, your donation will allow me to buy household items and necessities such as towels, kitchen utensils and cleaning supplies.

The sooner I can begin receiving donations, the better – my final paycheck from Cambodia ran out on May 11. – my GoFundMe goal of $2500 will support me for about six months, by which time I hope to begin receiving Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), or, in the best case, be well enough to return to work.

I appreciate the time have taken to read my appeal, and offer my special thanks for any assistance you can give.

Best wishes.

Ivon




My day shelter



My night shelter in a church basement




Click here to see more information on Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus from the Hydrocephalus Association .