Hi, I’m Jeff. I’m 33 years old, and I’m asking for help from strangers, which is not easy for me. I know there are people facing even harder situations, and I’ve let that stop me from reaching out for far too long. But the truth is, I need help now more than ever.

I’ve come to understand that I’m at the mercy of circumstances outside my control, and I’m trying to meet that reality with humility and gratitude. Due to several medical diagnoses, I am currently very limited in my ability to work and struggling to find employment. The good news is I finally have clear answers, and there is now a treatment plan in place.

I currently have health insurance, but if I am unable to keep up with payments, I will lose coverage by the end of June, putting my treatment at serious risk.

This began with severe vertigo that had persisted for weeks (and continues to persist to this day). I tried to push through it and continue working, but I eventually reached a breaking point and went to the ER. I was kept overnight for observation, and scans revealed a colloid cyst on my brain that may be affecting the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. I have been referred to neurology and neurosurgery and am now undergoing monitoring, with possible surgical removal being evaluated. I am also on medical rest while we determine next steps.

Throughout this, I kept my employer informed. My leave was initially approved. However, on the day I was scheduled to be paid for hours already worked before I became sick, I was told there was an issue with payroll and asked to wait. When I followed up that weekend because I needed those wages for basic expenses, I was informed that my employer had intended to withhold my pay until my medical rest ended so he could terminate me then. But since I had persisted about my pay, I was being terminated while on approved medical rest.

Since then, I have lost income, incurred costly medical bills, and faced delays in unemployment support due to the medical nature of my case. I am also now facing mounting and rapidly increasing medical bills from the ER visit, follow-up appointments, and all ongoing and future specialist visits, testing, and procedures required for my care.

I have also recently been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that is debilitating and has likely been affecting me for years. While it is a relief to finally have answers, it also explains the long-term decline in my health and adds another layer of ongoing treatment and medical management.

Right now, the priority is monitoring the cyst to track its growth and make sure it does not lead to any life-threatening complications, while also beginning treatment for psoriatic arthritis and working toward regaining stability. Keeping my insurance active is essential to making that possible and escaping the threat of bankruptcy.

Even through pain and symptoms, I continued working, showing up, and doing my best. I want to recover, return to work, and rebuild stability. I cannot do this without help right now.

Any support you can offer is deeply appreciated. Sharing this campaign also helps more than you know and gives me a real chance at getting back on my feet. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any kindness you can extend.