Hey everyone,

I’m asking for help during a stretch of my life that’s been a lot harder than I expected.

This all started last June when I was at Seattle Pride. What seemed like a simple sinus infection turned into months of antibiotics trying to treat something that wasn’t actually the issue. By the time I got back from Burning Man, things took a much more serious turn.

By November and December, I was dealing with significant mobility issues and was eventually diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord. I’m still in the process of ruling out multiple sclerosis, which has added another layer of uncertainty.

Since then, recovery has been slow and inconsistent. I’m starting to regain mobility, but it’s not linear. Some days feel normal, and others don’t. Some weeks I am back to me, others I have to tell my friends I miss me too.

Around September before things took the worst turn, I was laid off from my job while still trying to understand what was happening with my health. After that, I spent months trying to find work again. I was eventually able to start a new job recently, but that’s when it became clear the impact wasn’t just physical.

There’s been noticeable cognitive impairment affecting my memory, focus, and ability to process information. It made it clear I’m not yet able to function at the level I’m used to in a work environment. I’m now in speech therapy and working through rehabilitation, with the expectation that things can improve over time, but it’s going to take patience and consistency.

Because of all this, I haven’t been able to maintain steady income. My unemployment benefits have run out, and I’ve been navigating a complicated system of medical care, insurance, and support programs, most of which move slowly.

At the same time, I’m working with a lawyer to pursue long-term disability benefits. There’s a real possibility of support there, but it will take time and doesn’t help with immediate needs.

Right now, I’m in a gap.

I’m at risk of losing my housing in the coming months, and my vehicle shortly after that. I’ve spent the last 10 months stretching everything I had, savings, unemployment, and every benefit program available. I’ve done everything I can to stay afloat.

But no one really plans for being out of work this long, especially when it’s tied to a medical condition that takes time to understand and recover from.

I’ve done my best to keep parts of my life going. I’ve been able to maintain my events, but they take a real toll on me physically and mentally, and they’re not enough to create stability on their own.

I’m actively working on recovery. I’m in treatment, attending therapy, and doing everything I can to rebuild toward a normal baseline again.

The Portland Pride guide is one of the ways I’ve given back to the community, and something I’ve put real time and care into building. Last year it reached thousands of people and helped connect the community across the city. But with no current income and ongoing health challenges, I may not be able to continue it this year without support.

Right now, I need help covering basic living expenses:

* Rent and housing stability

* Utilities and essential bills

* Medical costs and ongoing care

* Legal support related to my disability case

If you know me, you know I’m not someone who asks for help easily. I’ve always taken pride in being independent and showing up for others. This is me being honest about where I’m at and giving people a way to support if they want to.

If you’re able to contribute, it genuinely helps more than you probably realize. If not, sharing this or even just reaching out still means a lot.

This isn’t forever. I’m working toward getting back to full strength.

This is just a bridge to get there.

– Tucker