Help Cover Essential Medical Expenses

I really did not want to do this, but here we are... Some time in early 2021, I fell. At the time, it hurt and I knew it had messed up my shoulder. What I did not know, and would not find out for almost two years, is that because of arthritis and degenerative disc disease in my neck, I herniated a cervical disc that was compressing the nerve root. Although I went to PT and began seeing a neurologist for pain management, I would not have an MRI and get a proper diagnosis until November of 2022.

I had my first surgery in January 2023, followed by my first six weeks in inpatient rehabilitation. In June of 2024, I had another surgery to install an intrathecal baclofen pump. In October, the pump malfunctioned and I had another urgent surgery. Less than two weeks after I was discharged from inpatient rehabilitation, I had similar symptoms of a malfunction again, but the pump was working fine. I went back to inpatient rehabilitation for a month while the doctors adjusted my medication and did more imaging. On New Year’s Eve 2024, I was discharged from my sixth stay in inpatient rehabilitation in 24 months.

This time, I promised my doctor I would find more affordable assistance at home and I did. I had aides come in two hours a day, seven days a week for a couple of weeks before it snowed. Suddenly, I could not walk or move my left leg at all. After two trips to the emergency room that weekend, my doctor told me I needed around-the-clock care at home. The agencies I contracted with for two hours a day have been able to provide me with excellent but very expensive care.

I had to stop working in November of 2022 and I was released from my job in June of 2023. I am considered retired, but I am not eligible for long-term disability benefits through my employment and I lost my health insurance at the end of last year. Because the Social Security Administration deemed me disabled at the end of last year, I will be eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, but it takes months to process. Until then, I am paying out of pocket for my medical expenses, especially the aides I need to get through each day safely.

I really hate to ask but I need help. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated and will go towards my daily expenses, including the CNAs that make my life possible.