My name is Erin and for those of you that know me, know I love reading, being an auntie, and caregiving for the many children I have had the privilege of spending time with. I have always strived to be a helper and support to anyone who needed it, whether it's a kind word, a listening ear, an act of service, some creative problem-solving, or simply just company.

Over the years, I have been incredibly private regarding my personal life but am choosing to be vulnerable and share that for quite a while, I have been dealing with multiple chronic illnesses, some more recently and some since teenagehood. Through it all, I have worked one way or another since the age of 14 when I got a job working as a junior counselor at a summer camp. Since then, I have worked in food, retail, been a nanny, gone to school, and worked from home for major companies. I have never shirked away from work, just made changes to adapt to the demanding needs of my health. If you don't take a break, your body will take one for you.

In the past 2 years, I have had to take 5 medical leaves from work. I can no longer avoid the fact that my chronic illnesses are a disability preventing me from being successful in the workforce. Phew. It has taken a lot to be able to say that. It's hard to accept you can't do something.

With my last leave from my current job, my doctors helped me get on short-term and long-term disability offered by my job. This way, I can still receive a percentage of my pay and health insurance. I cannot express how grateful I am for this privilege especially.

While on long-term disability, the goal is to apply for SSDI and continue my medical care with the hopes of one day being in a better place health-wise. This includes regular infusion therapies, surgery, medication, and physical therapy.

Long-term disability insurance only provides about 30% of my base pay and while that has been better than zero, my loved ones have been supplementing me. Long-term disability is simply not enough to live on until I am approved for federal disability.

I don't have any living parents to ask for help. While the lack of parents has been a struggle, I have been extremely lucky in siblings, friends, and a partner who have been a tremendous support through the years, but a burden of love is still a burden and I don't wish to burden my loved ones. (Though I'm 100% sure if you asked them, they would deny it)

I know I have a village and I'm choosing to reach out to my village for help. Not just for me but to also offer relief to my loved ones who also feel the impact of my health.

The funds given will be used for upcoming medical expenses (including a surgery in the next year), health insurance premiums, and to supplement the long-term disability for daily living expenses. Nothing fancy here. Just the basics.