My name is Chris O., and reaching out for help like this is something I never imagined I would have to do. For over 30 years, I’ve taken pride in handling my responsibilities, paying every bill on time, and never asking anyone else to carry my burdens. I’ve always believed in taking care of my own obligations, no matter how hard things became — and until now, I’ve lived my entire adult life by that belief.

My wife, Debra, has been medically disabled and unable to work since 2018, and I’ve been the sole provider for our family ever since. When our kids moved out in 2020, things became a little easier, but it was still a constant balancing act. Both my parents and my wife’s parents are elderly and living on limited Social Security income. I recently had to move my mother into a nursing facility because her health needs became too much for me to manage at home, especially while caring for my disabled wife.

Then, in August 2024, everything changed. I became seriously ill due to thyroid issues that caused sudden fainting spells, memory problems, and unpredictable symptoms. These episodes happened without warning, and it became unsafe for me to continue working. I lost the job I had dedicated over 27 years of my life to — a job where I was never in trouble, never disciplined, and always willing to help others. Losing that job felt like losing a part of myself.

I spent over a year without health insurance, unable to afford proper care until I finally qualified for state-funded medical assistance about six months ago. Thankfully, with treatment and medication, my thyroid condition is now under control, and I’ve been medically cleared to return to work. I apply for jobs every day — focusing on positions that match my skills as a project manager, network engineer, and computer specialist. But the waiting, the silence, and the constant rejections are grueling. Every day that passes feels like one day closer to losing everything I’ve worked for.

During this same time, my daughter went through a painful divorce while pregnant and had no choice but to move back home in July 2025. She has since given birth to my grandson on December 4th, 2025 — one of the greatest blessings in my life. Looking into his new, innocent eyes brings me joy, but it also weighs heavily on my heart. I worry constantly about how I will keep a roof over our heads and provide the basic essentials that every family needs.

Basic necessities — toiletries, cleaning supplies, household items, even gas to get to a doctor’s appointment — have become harder and harder to afford. I’ve used credit cards only when absolutely necessary, and only for bills and essentials once my personal funds were gone. I see the worry in my wife’s eyes, and it breaks me. She tries to be supportive, but she has her own medical and emotional struggles, and I hate that my situation adds to her burden.

I suffer from nearly all the symptoms of hypothyroidism — fatigue, confusion, memory issues, migraines — and I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a hobby or a moment of peace without fear creeping in. I’ve always been a little OCD about keeping things organized and ADHD when it comes to staying focused, and for most of my life, those traits helped me succeed. But now, with so much happening at once, those same traits make it harder to stay on track. Calls from creditors and mortgage companies only add to the pressure.

My father taught me to fix things — to take them apart, figure them out, and make them work again. That mindset shaped my entire life. I’ve always been self-taught, always willing to learn, always determined to solve problems on my own. But nothing in my life prepared me for this. I was never taught how to ask for help, how to admit that I can’t fix everything, or how to reach out when life becomes too overwhelming.

I’m asking for help to keep my home, my car, cover essential bills, and give my family a little breathing room while I continue searching for work. I don’t want to place this burden on anyone. I want to use this support to stabilize things, clear my mind, and regain the ability to focus on what truly matters — my family, my health, and rebuilding our lives. Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to safety and stability.

This is the most humbling moment of my life, but I’m holding onto hope. I believe things can get better. I just need a little help to get through this chapter and back to standing on my own.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for anything you’re able to give. Your support means more than I can express.