My name is Kim. And what I’m about to do is very hard for me.

I’m a disabled English and special education teacher in South Louisiana. I’ve always felt I have a unique connection with my students. I was one of the first students in our district to be affected by the federal IDEA legislation, which required that students with disabilities, whether physical or learning, be taught at the school near their home. I had, and still have, many medical conditions that affect my daily life, including that I am AuDHD.

Earlier this month (March 2025), I became ill with what I thought was a stomach bug. But this bug wouldn’t go away. I was already not feeling well: I had just been diagnosed with Long Covid. I had a persistent cough that would not go away since my second bout of Covid in November. This cough was horrible. I’m surprised I didn’t crack a rib; it was that violent.

So by the time I got this “stomach bug” in March, I was pretty run down. I had been forcing myself to continue working every day of the previous 3 months since getting COVID a second time and was exhausted. On March 12, I decided I needed to go to the hospital and called 911 for myself.

After being admitted, and all the testing came back, it was determined I was 1. In kidney failure, because 2. I had salmonella and 3. Norovirus and had 4. become so dehydrated that my one kidney (congenital, one of many birth defects) was struggling to keep up.

After a week of IV fluids, my numbers rebounded enough that I could be discharged. I was still experiencing symptoms of Norovirus but was told it needed to “run its course,” which could take “another week to 10 days.”

So I came home. To an empty house. Because in the midst of my declining health, my Soul Dog, Shadow, who had been sick for some time, was also declining just as fast as I was. I tried desperately to find someone to be with her after the ambulance came for me. Her vet couldn’t come until the next day. She died, alone, the same night I went to the hospital. And I will never forgive myself for that.

Now here I am, nearly two weeks later. I have not been to work since before the Mardi Gras break (first week of March). If I don’t work, I don’t get paid. The same as many of us. Complicating matters, I live 25 miles away from work and don’t currently have a car. So, now that I’m feeling better, though not fully back to normal, I have no means to get to work should I wish to do so.

And finally, my most pressing problem: rent. **March rent has not been paid and today is March 31.** The apartment company has been very kind, knowing all that has transpired. **I have until April 11 to pay or there is an eviction hearing scheduled.**

The total amount due is $2957. As I’ve stated, I don’t know how or when I will return to work and begin making money again, but I’m hoping I can get something sorted in the next week.

**I cannot fathom homelessness in any form, but especially as a disabled, and still actively sick person.** I can’t begin to process what or how or where….? And I know many of you are also struggling. It is not a good time for so many people. But if you are one of the lucky ones and you can spare something, I beg of you to consider helping me. And please know how hard it has been for me to ask for help.