This post pains me to write. My wife, Melissa, and I have always been the type to lend a helping hand when possible, but very rarely been the type to ask for help as it pains me to ask. However, due to recent events, it seems like this is our only hope.

As some of you guys know, on August 10th, I suffered a subarachnoid hemmorrage (in other words, a brain aneurysm). It was caused by a pocket, an outpouch, that was forming on a blood vessel. I passed out and hit my head causing the pocket to burst. Unfortunately, this brain aneurysm has caused a burden on my family.

As some of you guys know, I was a truck driver for Crest Aluminum. Due to this brain aneurysm, I haven't been able to work, which has caused financial hardship in the household. We are currently living off of Melissa's income, and have 2 kids, that we have to pay for. I've been cleared for light duty work, but to get back into the truck driving business, I won't be able to return until August of next year. I've been recently trying to file for unemployment, but have been struggling with that. I've been stressed out a lot, which is not good for my recovery.

Prior to that, I ruptured my bicep tendon. I had to push back the surgery to have it repaired due to the aneurysm, but it as pushed back the time for me to get back to work elsewhere.

All of this has taken a toll on myself, Melissa, and our children, as they can see the struggle on my face. I continue to beat myself up mentally, as I've always been the one to "work for what I've got", and never stop working. Typically, we always figure out a way to get out from a situation, but this time, the odds seem against us.

We know that we are blessed for what God has given us thus far and we thank him every day for another chance at life.

We thank all of you for taking the time to read our story.