Healing from Pain, Loss & Setbacks. I Need Help to Start Again

Hi, my name is Lindsay Rafferty, and I’m reaching out because life has hit a point where I simply can’t do this alone anymore.

I’ve been battling chronic pinched nerves for years, but recently the pain became so unbearable that I can no longer work. My doctor won’t clear me to return until I get proper treatment, but without medical insurance, everything must be paid out of pocket.

To make things worse, I was recently involved in a hit-and-run that damaged my car adding to the already overwhelming bills. Right now, I urgently need help covering basic living expenses rent, groceries, and essential medical therapies just to survive the next few months.

But this moment is only the surface of what I’ve been through. For the past three years, I’ve been fighting my way out of what felt like a complete collapse of my life and identity.

It started with a fresh start… and a stolen wallet

When I moved to Columbus, I was ready for a new beginning. I got a job, found a place, and started over.

But on my very first day at my new job, as I was clocking out, my wallet was stolen from my purse. Inside was my Social Security card, which had only been there for less than 24 hours as I was still getting settled. I had no idea that this one moment would snowball into years of chaos, financial ruin, and emotional devastation.

The Identity Theft That Nearly Destroyed Me.

The woman who stole my identity didn’t just destroy my credit she got a job under my name, then stole from that employer, leaving me to deal with the consequences.

She stole someone’s dog and sold it, again using my name.

She left behind an active warrant for my arrest.

She impersonated me to police, further endangering my safety, freedom, and name.

She caused over $20,000 in credit damage and attempted to take out $300,000 in loans.

I had been working toward buying my first home that dream was instantly shattered.

She even donated plasma under my name, and I later received a deferral notice, suggesting she likely tested positive for heroin or amphetamines. That’s not just identity theft that’s a crime against humanity, risking the lives of those relying on life saving treatments.

I tried everything to fix it. I contacted every agency I could. No government agency helped me. I was left fighting completely alone.

Thankfully, I knew a dedicated detective who believed in me. He helped get things moving legally and without him, I honestly don’t know where I’d be.

Eventually, I was able to locate the woman and push for prosecution. She was convicted, sentenced to six years of probation, and ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution money I’ve never received and likely never will.

Then My Body Gave Out

Five months after the identity theft began, my back gave out a second herniated disc that had stayed dormant for over a decade came back full force.

Then, one month later, my brother died.

Since then, I’ve experienced five more pinched nerve flare-ups, each one worse than the last. The most recent one has left me with an almost immobile left leg, and it has been the longest healing period yet.

I’m scared. If I don’t get the right care, I’m almost certain the next incident could leave me wheelchair-bound. My nervous system is wrecked, and I live with the constant fear of what will happen if I can’t interrupt this cycle.

I’ve Been Fighting for My Life Quietly

I never asked for help when my identity was stolen, I was too proud. I tried to push through the physical and emotional damage alone. I even took on extra hours at work just before this last flare-up. I’ve done everything in my power to stay afloat.

But I am burned out. My body is done.

Through it all, I’ve continued to take care of others, to show up, to try and stay “normal but I’ve been losing myself in the process.

I’m Still Trying With Everything I Have

I’ve started somatic therapy to help release the trauma stored in my body.

I’m in the process of securing medical insurance, and trying to find long-term solutions for both my physical and emotional health.

But this healing journey requires time, money, and stability that I simply don’t have right now.

Why I’m Asking for Help

This fundraiser starts at $5,000, though that number may change depending on medical needs.

Every donation will go toward:

Rent and groceries

Out-of-pocket medical treatments

Car repairs from the hit-and-run

Therapy and pain relief support

Space to recover without fear of losing everything

What I need most right now is the ability to pause, reassess, and heal so I can come back stronger and reclaim the life I’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

Thank you to the friends, chosen family, and strangers who have shown me love. The support of my community has been the anchor to any stability I've held onto. I carry your faith in me as I try to stand again.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. If you can give, even a little, it means more than I can express. And if you can’t, please share this. You never know who might see it.

With love and gratitude,

Lindsay