Hello, my name is Jessica and I’m desperately reaching out for help.

UPDATE: Surgery went well. I am immobilized for the next 4 weeks and recovery is going to take longer than expected. My dad has been here to help me during it all, thankfully! It’s been very painful and not like my last ACL surgeries. They had to stitch the inside of my meniscus, which is why I’ll need to be immobilized for 4 weeks, as to not rip the stitches inside. Moving is painful and just going to the bathroom is an extremely difficult and painful adventure. I’m unable to do anything on my own yet.

After 4 weeks of having my leg straight, I will then be able to do physical therapy and strengthen everything. Thanks to some donations and loans, I was able to pay for the surgery and now face the long road of healing and being out of work for about 5 months! No income, not even able to drive to get to a part time or minimum wage job to make ends meet. This is my right knee! My driving knee! I’m lost as to what I can do to make enough to cover my rent and utilities until I can get to light duty to make money. If you have it in your heart to help in any way possible! I would be greatly appreciative! I’ve been filling out applications constantly for any and all remote jobs and programs possible. I’m not just sitting on my ass hoping to get by with donations. I’m doing everything I can!

The surgery cost was $6500. My rent is $1765. Utilities are roughly $250. We all know how expensive it is to live and just get by. I’ve gone in default with all of my credit cards, which honestly I’m not worried about at this point. I just want to keep a roof over my daughters and I’s head. Donations are not used for anything other than that reason! PLEASE help in any way possible!

On December 14th, 2025, I stupidly stepped down from a raised parking lot to a walkway about a foot down. My knee popped in two places, and I instantly knew something was wrong. After three knee surgeries in the past five years, I was pretty sure I tore my ACL again. I scheduled an appointment the very next morning. Fast forward to today when I got the call from the ortho. I completely tore my ACL and have a bucket-handle meniscus tear.

A little about me: I’m a single mother. I have one daughter still home, another chasing her dreams at the University of Central Florida, and my oldest in the US Army. And 4 bonus kids and 3 grandbabies from previous relationships that I wouldn’t give up for the world!! I’ve devoted my life to all of my kids and chose a “career” serving tables to be able to be home when my kids were home and to be present in their schooling, sporting events, and family life. This “career” has done a number on my body and on my knees. And here I find myself again for the fourth time needing reconstructive surgery. Except this time, I don’t have much help. There is no second income. I worked two jobs, six days a week to provide for, now just my youngest and me. It’s been a struggle before all of this, and now I’m at a complete loss. No income, and the medical bills, rent, and bills are already piling up.

Recovery for an ACL reconstruction and meniscus is about 8-12 weeks and then further physical therapy to ensure I’m healthy and strong so this doesn’t happen again.

My out-of-pocket for insurance just changed to $10,000 a year, as everyone’s insurance has gone up and OOP and deductibles go up.

Between just the medical costs and bills, I’m already only hanging by a thread, and the first of the month is already approaching, and the overwhelming fear that because of one stupid mistake, I could be without a car, power, water, or a roof over our heads.

If you have it in your heart to please help donate, PLEASE! I’m desperate at this point. If you can’t donate, please share, and if you believe in the power of prayer, please pray that my little family and I will get through this. It’s already been a very tough year this year, and this may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Thank you for your time and anything you’re willing to help with.