My name is Nat, and I’m living with chronic illness after a sudden medical incident turned my life upside down. I’m now preparing for surgery because of long-term damage from that event. Nearly two years ago, a freak complication during an ER visit left me fighting a treatment-resistant infection that changed everything about how I live and what I can do.

Before all this, I worked as an essential worker through COVID and took pride in showing up for others in the health industry prior and during the pandemic. I worked myself sick which is how I landed in the ER to begin with. Losing my health and independence has been devastating. I never imagined I’d be in a position where simply staying safe and cared for would depend heavily on others’ kindness. Now it feels as if the tables have turned. It’s incredibly hard to ask for help, but right now, I truly need it.

Since the accident, I’ve been navigating countless treatments, procedures, and tests, along with disability denials and long waits for help, all while trying to find stability in a system that makes survival feel like a full-time job. Every day I do my best to heal and hold onto hope, even as resources for the disabled community continue to shrink.

I’m now on my second denial from Social Security and preparing for a hearing, even though I clearly cannot work. It’s heartbreaking to have my future decided by people who don’t see what daily life is really like.

I’m raising funds to cover essential needs while I continue medical treatments. This includes access to care, a safe place to rest and recover, and basic resources that make healing possible. I’m currently unable to work, and it’s been extremely hard to find support through disability and assistance programs.

Your help means I can focus on getting well instead of just barely surviving the system. Every donation, no matter how big or small, goes directly toward care, and keeping me safe to heal.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of my fight to find care and peace.