I'm Ashley. Wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, and coworker to some pretty amazing people. As you all know, I'm a collector of health conditions. Several months ago, I went to the neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on my lower back issues. I was having trouble walking, standing, and lying down.

After a thorough evaluation of my medical history, he ordered an MRI of my brain and spine, and he discovered a tumor, Chiari malformation, and two places in my spine with severe degeneration and spinal cord compression with nerve damage. All three will need surgery—one after the other.

I am so glad he found these issues because there's a good chance they are the root cause for a lot of my pain, mobility issues, and day-to-day suffering.

My first surgery is to fix the Chiari malformation, which will be several weeks of recovery and missed work. It involves cutting open the back of my skull and removing bones to allow for decompression. It's gnarly and intense.

The tumor removal will take place after I am cleared from recovery from the first surgery. It's quick, non-invasive, and has minimal issues aside from a headache and a sore, runny nose.

The third surgery is the disc removal and fusion. It, like the first, will be invasive, painful, and a hard recovery. I will need several weeks off of work and will have it once I'm cleared from the second surgery.

Here is where I need your help. Financially, this is a nightmare. I'm a contractor and do not get any PTO or sick time. If I miss work, I just don't get paid. I'm eligible for short-term disability, but it only gives me half of my pay, which is not sustainable.

A few years ago, I cashed my 401k to cover the adoption expenses for the twins and legal fees to get sole custody of my stepson. We haven't had the opportunity to rebuild those funds yet.

I have a critical illness plan at both jobs; however, the type of tumor I have does not qualify as a coverable condition, so neither will pay out. My first surgery does not cost anything because I'm at my out-of-pocket maximum. My second and third surgeries will be after the new year, and I'll be stuck with the full deductible and a chunk of the OOP max for 2025.

I know timing is terrible with it being around the holidays, but it would mean a lot if you could give what you can or at least share. I know I'm usually the one donating and helping out, but my family could use the help this time. We'd be eternally grateful. Thank you so much!