Help Jonas With Surgery Expenses and Cross The Finish Line

Hello Team Jonas,

Six months ago, I was at a low point in my life. I had just been discharged from a two-week hospital stay, where I spent six days in the ICU fighting for my life. I was still very ill, and riddled with guilt and shame. A true fall from grace. I had just begun my journey to recovery at the Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Downers Grove, IL and launched my first ever GoFundMe. *This is me beyond exhausted after I finished writing my first GoFundMe story. I guess thanks to my Mom for taking this pic?

These past 6 months I have been working hard to change my life while I fight liver disease. With the help of my doctors, therapists, AA, Smart Recovery and YOUR GENEROSITY, I have overcome so much, including rock bottom. I am a changed person, not just sober, I am changing my life. I am very proud to say that I am over six months sober and my liver is healing. I know there is still a lot of work to do, but I am determined to make it.

All of my progress is now at risk due to a combination of some more recent challenges. 1.) My Disability benefits are delayed in IL State processing. Over 150 days and counting. I was told just today I will have my check including the 6 months backdated in 45-60 days 2.) A recent back injury that requires surgery in 3 weeks. I had my spine fused 23 years ago so the recovery is longer then it is for normal folk. I am in a lot of pain and cannot really walk. 3.) I saved the most upsetting for last, a very real threat of eviction THIS WEEK from the home Lulu and I have lived in and treated like it was our own for over 8 years.

So, I urgently need to ask for your help one more time, which I was very hesitant to do. Then it dawned on me that you are the people that know me the best. You know I would not be asking for help again unless it was my last resort. You believe in me. It is beyond humbling. Seriously, it makes me cry sometimes. In an effort not to make this story longer then The Odyssey, let me try to summarize.

What will I use these funds for?

• I'm facing an eviction notice this week, which would be devastating to my recovery, my health, and my daughter's schooling. I've kept up with rent until last month and have made every effort to work with my landlord and pay extra down the road if need be, and he is not sympathetic. I can't work with my back injury, and my disability benefits are delayed. Moving in with my parents would be challenging for multiple reasons, and I can't physically move before my surgery.

• I need help paying my bills and providing basic essentials for my daughter and me. The financial stress is overwhelming. My phone and Wi-Fi are about to be shut off, and electric and gas are next. I've made payment plans and gotten concessions, but this isn't the pandemic, and food stamps only go so far. It is scary how quickly your life can change but I will survive this. I didn't come this far to quit now but I cannot do it without you. Please believe in me one last time.

ANY amount is appreciated. My love and gratitude for you all is immense. Thank you again.

Love and Gratitude,

Jonas

PS: There is an app that rhymes with Menmo, where I get the funds at once and without 4% being taken by the host company. @Jonas-Shapiro is where you can find me. I can add your name and donation manually. Either one is fine and again very much appreciated.