My name is Kristine Brown and I'm 54 years old. I was diagnosed with a disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) in August of 2017. TN is a neurological condition that impacts the Trigeminal Nerve of the face creating severe facial pain. The pain is so severe this condition has been given a nickname called The Suicide Disease. It is classified as the most painful disease known to man.

My TN was fairly under control since my diagnosis until June of 2024. It finally became bad enough that I was unable to work. My last day of work was November 5, 2024. I was approved for short term disability. Once that was exhausted, my condition was bad enough that I was approved for long term disability on February 27, 2025.

The day after my disability was approved my employer contacted me and let me know they had dissolved my position and let me go. Therefore, I was unable to collect my long term disability benefits. That left me reeling! I was given 1 months severance pay along with my vacation and sick time.

I also have a lot of other autoimmune conditions:

Migraines

Sjogrens Syndrome

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Rheumatoid arthritis

Guttate Psoriasis

Type 2 Diabetes

Throw in these:

SVT

Fatty Liver

Severe Anxiety

Since that February, my condition has slightly improved and I am now seeking work. I have already applied at multiple places.

My problem is that I have exhausted all of my savings and need a little help until I get a job.

I'm heartbroken that I cannot return to my previous employer. I loved that job and loved the people I worked with.

I need to be able to cover my car payment, insurance, utilities, and food.

Any help anyone can provide would be helpful.

The most recent issue I have is my car broke down. The water pump leaked, causing the serpentine belt to weaken and it snapped. My air conditioning is also out and it's hot.

This is pretty depressing because I've never not worked. I've never been in this situation before and honestly, it's scary.

Thank you for reading and Thank You to everyone who has helped!