
Support Yvette's Healing Journey
Doação protegida
Below are words from Yvette who just had two brain tumors removed, and two more additional brain tumors are waiting to be removed. She can no longer work but still has to support herself. Bills don't go away. Photo is of one of Yvette's brain scans showing one of the 4 tumors. Looks like a egg, doesn't it. She is unable to drive for the next 6 months, there are more medical procedures in the immediate future. Life is very limited right now. I have started this fundraiser to assist her.
From: Yvette
I am so humbled by all the folks who have been cheering me on.
Many know I have long COVID. I then contracted tuberculosis, and while on disability, lost my job. Now setback again with the 4 brain tumors—1.8 removed, 2.2 to still address. That's in addition to my preexisting Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus, RA, and OA. I am not able to take my biologic meds while healing, so in a full arthritis flare. Yeah, I'm a party.
Like most businesses during the pandemic, my Adapt Ad Specialty business took a loss. To pay my debts, I have not been paying myself a salary. Currently I cannot work. I have an SBA loan for that business and have been able to do a loan adjustment for 6 months while I'm recouping to take some pressure off there.
I volunteer actively with Cats at the Studios, and I volunteer with the COPE Preparedness Pet Pantry so no salary there. All volunteer work is limited right now.
My doctor did state she'd approve disability, but that agency says 200+ days for review due to cutbacks and being understaffed.
Cannot apply for unemployment as I hadn't paid into the system during a specific period because I chose to pay debt first—what most responsible self-employed people do.
Yesterday I applied for early social security and will see what happens. Still no income coming in.
I have never had to ask for help, always found a way to take on a 2nd or 3rd job. But now with not being able to drive and the extreme fatigue and pain, the healing process, there's just no way I can work at this time. I still have to pay my mortgage, property taxes are due, and utilities and the credit cards are maxing out.
Friends said, I need to swallow my pride and admit I need help, that I'm always there for folks and giving to them, and to allow people to do something to help me.
So I reluctantly am trying to accept help. Thank you all so much for your prayers and caring. It has made a difference but now I am asking for financial assistance so I can heal and get back on my feet.
Organizador e beneficiário
Linda PADUANO
Organizador
Los Angeles, CA
Yvette Berke
Beneficiário