Hi, my name is DeAndre, but most people know me as Root. This is not easy for me to write, but right now I am in a position where I need help from my community. Over the past year, my body and mind have been pushed beyond their limits. I was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove part of my stomach. Since then, my health has been a constant battle. I was hospitalized twice late last year, once in November for four days and again in December for three days. Most recently, I spent two full weeks in the hospital after reaching a point of severe exhaustion and mental collapse. I had been working nonstop and pushing myself far beyond what my body could handle. Between the physical recovery from surgery, ongoing medical complications, and the pressure to keep working, I hit a breaking point. With the help of close friends, I made the difficult decision to check myself into the hospital before things got worse.

Because of my physical limitations and declining health, I had to step away from my job at the group home. That decision was necessary for my survival, but it also means I currently have limited income while medical bills continue to pile up. Right now, I am focused on healing, rebuilding my strength, and protecting my mental health so I can return to work and life in a healthy and sustainable way. However, the financial pressure from medical expenses, living costs, and lost wages has created a situation I cannot manage alone. If you know me, you know I have always worked hard and shown up for others whenever I could. Asking for help is uncomfortable, but necessary right now.

Your support will help cover medical bills and ongoing treatment costs, living expenses while I recover, and basic necessities during this transition period. If you are able to donate, share this page, or send words of encouragement, it would mean more than I can properly express. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being part of my recovery journey. With gratitude, DeAndre “Root” Harrell