Hi, I'm Jennifer. I have been a hairdresser for nearly 20 years. From running my own salon to now managing a large salon. On my days off, I have worked with the elderly at nursing homes fixing their hair, and I still make time to see my family, friends, and long-time clients whom I travel to back in my hometown. Standing behind the chair for years has taken a toll on my body. We all struggle with aches and pains, as it is a part of the job. I absolutely love what I do!

Recently, at the beginning of October, I noticed a pain I wasn't familiar with. But I still finished out my clients. I went to the chiropractor many times over the course of a few weeks with no relief... things just got worse. I was calling out of work; the pain kept getting worse and worse. I finally decided I needed to go to urgent care as I couldn't take it any longer. Sitting hurt, standing hurt. The only slight relief I could get was laying down. At the urgent care (on a Saturday), they gave me x-rays and didn't see anything wrong. I argued with them that something was definitely wrong. I then made an appointment at my regular doctor (she was able to squeeze me in Monday at 7:30 am). With the numbness in my legs down to my toes and as much discomfort as I was in, I couldn't walk normally, hunched over, "waddling," she sent me to have an MRI done. The results from that showed that I have 4 herniated disks in my lower back (from L3 all the way to S1). My doctor referred me to see an orthopedic surgeon (the next available appointment is on 12/18).

That all being said, I have missed so much work and every time I go to the doctor, it's a copay for this ($50) or a specialist copay for that ($100), MRI cost ($750). All of that is with insurance.

I do not know how I am going to survive. Household bills are piling up as well as the holidays approach. My nephew, who lives with me, is 13, and I don't know how I will be able to get for him.

I'm still going in for a few hours a week to do administrative work in the office, but I cannot do hair. My pay is a quarter of what I am used to bringing in.

I just need some help until I can get back on my feet.

If you could help me financially or by the power of prayer, that would be amazing.

Thank you for reading my story.