- M
It won't happen to me.....famous last words. Never in my life would I think I needed to ask my small circle of friends for help. I am the giver. I am the one who takes care of things. I am the helper. Or, should I say.....I was.
Most of you know of my severe health struggles over the past 5 years. So many doctors. So many co-pays. So many "professionals" giving me a wrong diagnosis or treating me like a second calls citizen because I am overweight. No one would listen. And unless you have experienced it, I guess maybe I would not have believed it myself. But here I am. Facing my mobility and my mortality. It's time to swallow my pride and beg for help in a world where everyone is struggling and most can't afford to help.
My disease has progressed so rapidly over the past 9 months. It has stolen my identity. My humanity. My basic will to live.
So I'm just going to say it. I have lost 90% of my ability to walk. Yes, you read that correctly. This girl who could never stay away from police departments and fire stations and ski hills, now can't walk anymore than 30 seconds and without excruciating pain.
I have not left the house since Easter except for Dr. appts. Yes, that means the pastors wife has not been in church. Not a good look. I don't have the ability to leave the house. I don't have the ability to do much. My employer has been gracious and has allowed me to work from home full time under FMLA. But, even they have limits. I am no longer going to be allowed to work from home as of December. I am grateful for the time they have given me. I have begun the disability process, but, as you know that takes years (despite all my doctors who have done their part and filled out all the forms)
Ok Beth, just get to the point. I need a few things to improve my life and my mobility. Steve and I have so far spent over $25,000 out of pocket. We put in an electric stair chair to get me up and down the stairs and we put in a handicap shower in our bathroom. That wiped us out. The most important thing right now is an electric wheelchair. Even with my diagnosis, insurance does NOT cover the cost of the 5 medical items I need to give me a better quality of life.
That is the list of items I need so you can see exactly what I need. They are pricey. About $8,000 total. I know that no one person can buy me any of these items. That is why my doctor suggested a GoFundMe. I've never done one before. I don't know if I'm doing it right. I'm open to suggestions and assistance. And, in advance, I thank you for any purchases, donations and prayers.