Support Jacklyn Carey: Power for Oxygen and Care

Help Us Keep the Lights and Oxygen On

By Jacklyn Carey

Hi, my name is Jacklyn Carey, and I never imagined I’d be in this situation asking for help like this — but I truly don’t know where else to turn.

I’m 41 years old, living with lupus and currently dependent on oxygen. I’m also in a wheelchair, and I live with my 78-year-old mother who helps care for me. She is on Social Security retirement, and I am on SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Every dollar is stretched just to get through the month.

We’ve lived in our apartment for just a year and four months, and somehow, despite limited usage, our electric bill has ballooned to a shocking $12,000. A prior balance from a completely different account — tied to an old address from about six years ago — was suddenly added to our current bill. When I moved in here, I paid a $130 deposit, and no one ever mentioned anything about that old balance. I was never contacted about making arrangements, and nothing was brought up when the new account was opened. It was just slammed into my bill without warning, and now I’m stuck — having fallen behind over the winter months — trying to catch up on something I didn’t even know was coming.

The only payment option available to us is $6,000 down and $1,000 a month — that’s the only arrangement they will accept at this point, which is completely impossible for us.

I’ve reached out to Social Services, Energy Assistance programs, the Health Department, and even local churches. Some have said they don’t have the funding available, and others have told me I don’t qualify because the amount owed is too high. I’ve tried every avenue I can think of, but nothing has worked.

On top of all this, last July we wrecked our car and it was totaled. Since then, we’ve had no reliable way to get to doctor’s appointments, the pharmacy, or even to the grocery store. We’ve struggled so much since moving into this apartment, and things just keep piling up.

Electricity isn’t just a convenience — it’s my lifeline. I need power to run my oxygen machine, keep my medication stored, and stay safe and warm in my home. The thought of losing power is terrifying.

I know times are hard for everyone right now, and I honestly wish I didn’t have to ask. But if 13,000 people could spare just $1 — or even a couple of dollars — it would help us reach our $13,000 goal and keep our power on, our home safe, and our dignity intact.

Every little bit helps, and even if you can’t donate, sharing this would mean the world to us. Thank you so much for reading, caring, and helping in any way you can.

With deep gratitude,

Jacklyn Carey