Hi, I’m Krista Anderson, a 58-year old patient at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore awaiting open heart surgery, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10, to bypass three blocked arteries (stents placed in same places only four years ago have failed twice) and to possibly replace my calcifying aortic valve (a longterm side effect of radiation treatments for Hodgkins Lymphoma when I was 20 in 1987).

Anyone who knows me will get how how hard it is for me to create this account. I am private, stubborn, and prideful - not the traits needed to allow others to help me. But I am also practical and know that I will not get through this recovery period without some help. I have already been hospitalized for a week and a half as I write this, after a heart catheterization at Meritus Hospital in Hagerstown, and waiting there for a bed at Johns Hopkins, where I now am being prepped for Friday’s surgery.

My 28-year side hustle as an online reseller of vintage goods became my full-time job when my Mother needed care during her long illness. I needed the flexibility that a social work job did not offer. While I love what I do, when I don’t work, I don’t get paid. When all is said and done with the time already spent in the hospital, having the upcoming surgery and recovery here, then at home, I am looking at a lot of lost money. This comes right as my daughter, Kielen’s hours at work have been cut (we live together and share expenses), and as our rent has increased, along with food and utilities.

The fourth quarter of the year is always the best for sales and it was already very promising when I became sidelined. I make most of my money during the fall and winter holidays and this loss is going to hit me hard. Knowing my rent, at least, would be paid would go a long way in giving myself permission to not stress and to heal.

I am a very hard worker. I know others are, too, and that everyone else is going through hard times in some form or another. So please believe that I completely appreciate anyone who has read this far, considers donating, and, of course, extra thanks for those who do. Feel free to share.