My name is Shaun Joseph. I am a full-time single father raising two daughters, and I have always worked hard to provide for my family. Ensuring that my daughters have a nice calm stable lifestyle.
Recently, I was hospitalized for six days due to a severe pancreatitis attack. I have been diagnosed with severe chronic pancreatitis, a condition that involves ongoing inflammation and scarring of the pancreas and will not fully heal. Due to my condition, my doctors have ordered me to remain out of work while I recover. The pancreas is a vital, oblong gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen that aids in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It functions as both an exocrine gland (releasing enzymes to digest food) and an endocrine gland (releasing hormones like insulin and glucagon) to maintain metabolic balance.
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term, progressive inflammatory disease of the pancreas that does not heal or improve, resulting in irreversible structural damage and permanent loss of function. Chronic pancreatitis involves ongoing damage, typically leading to scarring (fibrosis), calcification, and ductal distortion. I will always be in constant pain, will never be able to eat my favorite foods again, and have to change my entire life style around to evolve around this lifelong health issue.
I am currently waiting to hear from short-term disability regarding my claim, but it has been several weeks me and my daughters have been without any income. As a result, I have fallen behind on rent, my car payment, utility bills, and I am struggling to keep food on the table.
My goal is simply to raise enough to cover these past-due expenses until I am able to return to work, which honestly the way my health has been in not sure when that will be. This has been an incredibly difficult time for my family and asking for help does not come easily to me. However, I need to focus on my health so I can continue to care for my daughters. It is heartbreaking to see them worry about our situation and what comes next.
Of course my daughters have always been my inspirational motive to be the man I am today. They taught me how to love, how to care, and gave me peace of mind. They always thank me for being here and raising them the way kids should be raised and I always tell them, "No I should be thankful for you both as well because you two are the reason I am who I am."
I have created a GoFundMe page in hopes of receiving some assistance:
Any support would mean more than I can express. If you are unable to donate, your prayers and well wishes for my recovery are deeply appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can provide.