My name is Jennifer, and I’m reaching out during the hardest time of my life. I was widowed at just 38 years old, losing the love of my life, shattering my heart and ending the hopes and dreams we shared as a couple for the future. I am also disabled and chronically ill, leaving me unable to support myself. I was initially disabled due to a spinal injury after a serious accident when I was 19 years old, and I have since developed other chronic pain conditions (such as complex regional pain syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, and fibromyalgia- my neurologist said I "hit the pain lottery") and autoimmune diseases on top of my major spine problems. I live with severe chronic pain, extreme fatigue, mobility limitations (standing and walking are limited to only a few minutes), brain fog, fevers, and the many other symptoms that come along with my disorders. John was the most supportive partner I could've asked for, picking wildflower bouquets and bringing me snacks in bed on my worst days, never missing a medical appointment. Now, without my partner, in addition to the immense grief, I am struggling to keep up with monthly bills and basic needs. The financial stress has become overwhelming, and I’m terrified every day about how I’ll get by.

On top of the every day financial anxiety, I was recently in a car accident (hit by a truck with giant tires that had spikes in the center, perfect to gouge into my tires) and now need repairs to my vehicle (like my headlight pointing the wrong way), which I rely on to get everywhere, especially to weekly medical appointments. I'm so afraid of what would happen without my car. I have no way to pay my $1500 insurance deductible. I also have two painful, broken teeth that need to be fixed, and a prescription for new glasses that I simply can’t afford. Every day feels like a challenge (emotionally, physically, and financially), and I worry about things as basic as putting gas in my car, paying a toll to cross the bridge, feeding my cat (our cat), and paying for medications.

Support from this fundraiser would help me get through the next few months, catch up on bills, repair my car so I can continue getting the medical care I need, and cover urgent medical and dental expenses. If possible, I would also love to honor my husband’s memory with a memorial stone. He currently has nothing, and he deserves EVERYTHING. I probably should've created this fundraiser immediately after he died, but I wasn't able to think ahead. I was in shock and living in survival mode, simply trying to get through each day. That's still a struggle on many days, getting through days without the other half of my heart.

I know finances are tight for most people right now with skyrocketing costs of everything, so I want to thank anyone who can donate any amount. It's incredibly humbling to need to ask for help like this, and I've been trying to put off doing so. I can't any longer. Thank you to everyone with a compassionate heart for your generosity. The winter was always our favorite time of year, and John and I especially loved exploring Philadelphia during snowstorms. Without him, the joy of watching the snowfall is greatly diminished. As spring approaches, so does the anniversary of his death on April 2nd. It's the most painful time of year. Being able to worry less about financial issues would be life changing and a light as we count down to that horrible date. Any help would mean the world to me right now. If you’re able to support or share my fundraiser, I’d be deeply grateful. Thank you for reading my story and considering a donation.