I'm Margarita, and I'm raising funds to support my best friend Hel on their recovery from a life-changing spinal cord injury.

In Feb 2024, Hel had a workplace accident that ended their ability to walk independently. While navigating this devastating new reality they received substandard care through the worker's comp system, they received no actual treatment, and were cut off from benefits in March 2025. After then exhausting state disability insurance, their condition continued to worsen until Oct 2025 when they were hospitalized and received emergency surgery. They had a disc herniation at c5-c6, which flattened their spinal cord. They were formally diagnosed with cervical myelopathy and spent a month in the hospital, including intensive rehabilitation. Their insurance company is now denying any liability, necessitating a lawsuit.

State disability insurance has been exhausted, and Hel is currently trapped in the long, arduous process of applying for Social Security benefits. They need urgent help to maintain housing and utilities, as well as purchasing medical equipment. They are trapped living in a second story apartment, 20 stairs up; they use a wheelchair and have limited use of their hands, and are completely unable to work.

Help them continue to pay for housing and cost of living, and medical equipment, during this period of 0 income. Any support, from sharing their story to monetary donations, is so greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading!