Please help us as we try to get back in the game

Greetings. My name is John Smith. Yes, you read that correctly. Of all the names my parents could have gone with, they went with the most common and abused name in the game.

So, here is the deal: I am a 53 year old musician(I am a benefits counselor by day), who takes care of an elderly parent. About two years ago, I got sick. Like, really sick. An undiagnosed blood infection had worked its way into an old foot fracture, and after a dozen surgeries, I was told that it was either my foot, or my life. I chose life.

I was out of work for a most of last year, but am back and better. I start a new, full time salaried job in mid April. I have a new leg, and I will be attempting to tackle a 5k in May. I refuse to be a victim, and I strive to be stronger than ever, which brings me here.

I take care of an elderly parent, and this past year has been brutal. I have had to get loans on most of my musical gear, and that really sucks. Music is my real passion, my heart, my soul. I don't own much of anything, but I love my instruments, and am days away from losing them. This doesn't come easy for me. Some might even call it begging, and I was raised to never ask for help. Well, here I am, humbled, hat in hand. I just want to keep my instruments, and have some cash for our bills, until I get paid at the end of april.

I will send pawn shop reciepts to anyone who wants to see them, and am open to questions, or even calls, if anyone wants to check my legitimacy. I know there is no way to prove it, but I am going to pay it forward when we get back on our feet.

Thank you for your consideration, and have a joyful day.