Dear Friends,

I am humbly reaching out to my community today to ask for help following an accident I recently had. On July 12th, I fell in my kitchen and ended up breaking my left leg (tibia) below my knee. The good news is that it will not require surgery. The bad news is that I need to use crutches and keep my weight off my leg until mid-September. I also wear a brace 24/7 to keep my leg in a certain position with some flexibility to bend. It’s been quite the challenge getting around on crutches for this old gal, but I’m making it work! Thank God I can drive.

Since the day I fell, I have been unable to work as both my jobs as a chef and a DoorDash driver can’t be done while on crutches. The financial challenges have been overwhelming, and I find myself struggling to cover basic expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, medical bills, gas, and even groceries. I receive social security, but it doesn’t quite cover half of my expenses, and I won’t be receiving it until the 21st. Any financial help you can offer, no matter the size, would be a tremendous step towards bridging the gap until I can return to work. A bunch of small donations will add up to a big, big help for me. I am truly afraid of losing my housing. This whole situation has been scary, emotionally taxing, and embarrassing to have to ask for help. I don’t take your generosity lightly and love and thank you in advance for whatever support you can provide.

I also want to put it out there that Ruby (my little dog) and I are available for pet/housesitting gigs if anyone is in need—we come highly recommended!

With love and gratitude, Stella (aka Denise Fleming)

update: Wow! I’m starting to be able to breathe again. Thank you all so much. I am going to respond to you individually and not let it get away from me like the situation 7 years ago. I was in a difficult dark place without a home and the shear volume of responses/ thank yous I needed to send overwhelmed me. I look forward to reaching out to you personally so you know the depth of my gratitude. Much love and thanks, Stella