Support Needed for Brain Injury Survivor

As long as you have money, a job, relationships, prospects, and a home, you belong somewhere; you are somebody. However, when these things are lost, so are we and so is our sense of connection and belonging.

I used to be well-connected within the community. Brain injury and chronic illness, however, has become a significant barrier, making it incredibly hard to connect with people and causing financial and housing insecurity. Money used to allow me to socialize, visit shops, restaurants, attend events, and make friends. Financial and housing stability gave me the security to thrive and live in a central location, keeping me active and connected. I need that connection to thrive.

In October last year, everything changed. I was forced to leave my home and pack everything into storage. I moved into a room with no heat and started experiencing respiratory issues from the cold. By December, I moved in with a (then, turned out to be safe and good) complete stranger who found out about me on Facebook. While she kindly took me in, she has lately been asking me to leave, not totally understanding what I am going through (because humans aren't mind readers) and understandably feeling like I've stayed long enough.

To add to my challenges, I don't have parents, a home, or a family to turn to. I ended a significant relationship two years ago, which also meant losing an entire family along with my partner. The isolation from losing these vital connections has been profound.

I’ve been pushing myself hard to regain stability, but it has taken a toll. Recently, I had a relapse with serious neurological symptoms that are similar to stroke symptoms, like pins and needles all over my body, droopy right eye, and severe fatigue. It took me five days to recover enough to resume taking video calls, job searching, and attending weekly doctor’s visits.

Sometimes I wonder if we humans could invent a special virtual reality helmet that could directly download the experience of unrelenting blinding headaches, nausea, vertigo, sheer pain, and terror for years on end into people’s brains—if the world could understand what it's like to live with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Maybe then, we would band together more, offer each other support, and create more resources infused with compassion, empathy, and care.

I am reaching out now because I need help. I need to find a stable place to live, financial support, and understanding. If you or someone you know might be able to offer assistance or resources, it would mean the world to me. I believe that by sharing my story, I can find the support I need and also raise awareness about the struggles faced by those with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Your support and understanding are deeply appreciated.

If you are able to help monetarily, please consider donating to my GoFundMe campaign to help me rebuild my life. Your support will provide immediate relief and enable me to find a stable place to live, cover medical expenses, and regain my independence.

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing my story with others who might be able to help would mean the world to me. https://gofund.me/4e31b28d