I knew something was wrong, and it wasn't asthma. I went to my doctor on July 22, and unfortunately, he ignored my symptoms. On August 3, 2024, I walked into an ER, and my life changed. A blood clot migrated from my left calf to my lungs and grew extensively, down into both of my lungs. The culprit was a saddle pulmonary embolism. They told me it can take six months to a year to recover and I could still be in danger, medically. I already have asthma, had an ischemic stroke, and have 2% damage in each knee. I was shocked.

Doctors put me out of work for 6 weeks and said I could not go up and down the 2-story steps at my job. I would end up leaving a job I love, working with special needs students, because I didn’t have enough leave to cover the time I needed off, and it could take 2 months for short-term disability to become effective.

I have been unemployed since 8/21/24. I sustained myself with my retirement funds up until now. I am awaiting approval of various DSS services and went by SSA for an appointment to look into disability eligibility. I can’t even stand for long periods or grocery shop for longer than 10 minutes. I don’t have good lung capacity or stamina. This has changed the quality of my life. I have applied for remote jobs, and it has been uneventful, thus far.

$5,000 would cover my basic bills and take me from April to August and that year mark, where they say things should be better. Also, these funds would enable me to commute to doctor's appointments. Will there be a "better" than what I currently feel, I don't know. When I exert myself in the slightest, it overtaxes my lungs and ability to stand.

If you're able to donate, I would be extremely grateful, and will be sure to pay it forward when I'm able.