Help with Recovery from a Life Changing Accident

Hi, My name is Shelly, and my last name is Martin. In late 2020, I went to my family's home in Maryland to visit for the holidays. On a Friday evening after dinner, I went to take a walk to get some exercise and fresh air. On the way back, I was struck by an SUV in the crosswalk while crossing the street. I spent 5 1/2 weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation. And much of 2021, I was in recovery with a physical therapist learning how to walk again. At that time, there were still a lot of restrictions because of COVID and I had to do much of the occupational therapy on my own.

At the time of the accident, I was living in Harlem, New York. By the time I returned to New York to check on my place, my space had been overrun by rodents and many of my items were destroyed and had to be thrown away. What I could salvage, I put it in my car and lived out of my car for several months.

Because the driver that hit me had a limited insurance policy, I was not fairly compensated for my injuries, medical expenses, damages, lost wages or future complications. The majority of the expenses for the accident had to come from my insurance and my lawyer was able to petition for government funding and other means such as charities. What little I was able to get was eaten up by lawyer's fees, physical therapy and back bills. This accident combined with COVID affected my credit and left me in financial ruin and despair.

During the months I was in recovery, I volunteered for one of the leaders of my wellness community to help with a book she was working on and do various promotional graphic projects for Social Media using CANVA. The projects kept me occupied while in my wheelchair and I thought would help to keep me from slipping into a depression. That volunteer work ultimately led to a position with the wellness community I am a part of. I came straight out of recovery into the position. I was not equipped to handle a lot psychologically. The job was remote so I was very grateful. Since I didn't get a settlement, I needed something so that I could rent a room. Unfortunately due to cutbacks, I was recently laid off.

Last month, my doctor expressed to me that I have anxiety, depression and PTSD compounded from the stress of losing my income during COVID, the accident and being forced to vacate my place and live out of my car. Since the accident, I was forced into survival mode and I haven't had time to process everything. During recovery, I focused mainly on walking again and there was a need to rush my recovery because my mother was suffering from debilitating arthritis. I had no time to consider my mental, emotional and financial well-being. It has just been non-stop survival. I was hoping the job would help me to get back on my feet and help me get my place.

Getting the diagnosis from my doctor last month has at least helped me to recognize some of the symptoms I have been having for months and why some days are very challenging mentally and emotionally. It's been a little more than a year since I completed my physical recovery but I never had the chance to psychologically process all that has happened and is still happening as a backlash to the accident. I have been just trying to survive. I thought I could get back on my feet alone without bothering anyone or being a burden. I need help to get back on my feet and begin to restore my life and improve my circumstances.

If you feel inspired to help and/or share my page with anyone who is inspired to donate, all help is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kindness.

And may we all be blessed throughout our lives. Love & Light