STRANDED

My '03 Nissan Xterra's transmission failed on Friday the 13th in June. I lived out of it selling photography and books.

I NEED VEHICLE!!!

I'm a dual amputee and having no vehicle is disabling.

It wasn’t my choice to get into photography. Like many of us, I was in too big of a hurry to appreciate the beauty of the world that surrounded me in my day-to-day life. Yet, I’ve learned there is beauty in life’s darkest moments.

Nearly a pain management doctor, heavily addicted to opiates after 4 back surgeries (fused from L4-S1), I was teaching nursing students anatomy at the community college in Reno as I prepared to retake the MCAT. Storm after storm hit my life until my own hurricane Katrina left me overdosed, aspirated, collapsed on top of my legs, coming straight down like the World Trade Center, and awakening 10 days later from a coma a dual amputee.

I’d used physical pain to treat my childhood emotional trauma until I was prescribed opiates, as they numbed both pains. I’ve struggled with substance abuse, well alcohol since I got off opiates. It was finding photography that allowed me to be reconnected with myself aided through the solitude of nature. It was there I gained perspective. I no longer believe I lost my legs, rather, traded them for a more meaningful life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I believe pictures can transcend language and deliver feelings words fall short off. The above picture was not staged. I happened upon that rock by chance in Colorado stopping to watch the sunset living out of my car.

***No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.