As I’m sitting here writing this, I’m still
thinking how I find a solution to my current
issues. Honestly, it’s hard to come to grips
about asking for help when you are vulnerable and weak. My name is Howard,I’m an RN who specializes in infection prevention
working in Chicago. Im the definition of
middle class America. I’m always working and when I can get ahead just a little, I get knocked back.

3 years ago, I moved to California to chase a
dream of doing infection control on the bright sunny west coast. (Born and
raised in Chicago). I moved to California
financially stable and left California a mess.
Creating debt, losing my opportunity , and  
digging a hole that I’m still trying to get out of.  

On 11/30/20, i tested positive for COViD-19. I have been Working at a hospital along the the Chicago Lakefront since  before the outbreak was identified. 11 months without getting the virus. I made sure appropriate face mask/N95, face-shield, meticulously hand washing, and to
practice social distancing. It has been 3 weeks since I last worked. The first 2 weeks of testing positive, I couldn't even get out of bed.
I experienced Headaches, chest pain, fatigue,
constant shortness of breath, body aches,
fever, lost of taste and sense of smell. Every
day i thought to myself , 10 days i should feel
better. 10 days come and goes. “ ok i will be
better at 14 days.” That comes and goes.
Because of the quarantine I wasn’t able to see my physician until 16 days later. I’m still short of breath and unable to do any kind of
activities- let alone work. My lungs sound like that of a 90yr old asthmatic . I got placed on
inhaler and 2 more weeks of being off to try to recover from an unpredictable virus. I have
filed for disability, but they only cover 40% of my gross weekly income. In the first 2 weeks
of my illness, I have exhausted all my PTO/sick time. I hope i do recover and get back to work by the 12/29, but again I don't know if ill ever be the same. Im almost 40 with no known
medical history. When I need every single
penny just to inch closer to being positive, I
get set back. I have called every financial 
obligation I have to extend deadlines, but it
doesn’t stop the payment. So on top of trying
to push myself to recover with an unknown
timeline, i have to think how i can avoid double payments, late fees, and where I can get help.  I prayed and contemplated who can I call or
contact to help. 

If you are reading this, thank you for taking
the time. Please, If you are able to help me, I
would so greatly appreciate it and will thank
you eternally for this moment. I will
continue to pray and trust in God along with
praying for all the small
business, those who lost their lives, the
families affected by the devastation, and just
as everyone as an entire nation/planet.

If you know me, it’s very hard for me to ask for help. I prayed on this everyday since I’ve been sick. I will humble myself before the foot of
the cross and ask for help. God bless you all.